During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, Texas Representative Al Green faced ejection for displaying a provocative sign. The sign read, “Black People Aren’t Apes,” a direct response to a controversial video Trump shared earlier this month. This video included images of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama depicted as apes.
Ejection from the House Chamber
This marks the second consecutive year that Al Green has been removed from the House chamber during a Trump address. His latest ejection occurred just minutes into the speech as he highlighted the sign towards the Republican side, specifically at Representative Troy Nehls.
Context of Controversy
Green has been a consistent critic of Trump, advocating for impeachment during Trump’s previous term. In 2022, he was also ejected from a joint address to Congress, where he made headlines for shaking his cane at the president.
Video and Reactions
- Trump’s video linked the Obamas to baseless claims of election fraud from the 2020 presidential election.
- The final moments of the video controversially showed the faces of the Obamas superimposed on cartoon ape bodies.
- Trump stated that he condemns the racist imagery, but he has not issued an apology for the video itself.
The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and critics like Al Green, highlighting the broader social issues regarding race and representation in political discourse. The confrontation in Congress not only reflects the current political climate but also raises questions about the appropriateness of such imagery in political messages.
