For the second year in a row, Congressman Al Green managed to turn the State of the Union into his own personal protest rally, and for the second year in a row, he got himself tossed out.
As President Trump entered the chamber for his address, Green stood holding a sign that read, “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES.” The sign was referencing a briefly posted Lion King meme on President Trump’s Truth Social account. The meme, which autoplayed after a video about voter fraud, depicted several high profile Democrats as characters from The Lion King. A short clip portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as apes generated headlines before the post was deleted.
Instead of letting the issue play out online, Green decided the appropriate venue for his protest was the House chamber during a joint session of Congress. He continued holding up the sign as President Trump began speaking. Capitol officials moved quickly, escorting Green out after he refused to stop disrupting the event.
As he was led out, Green exchanged words with Congressman Troy Nehls of Texas. Nehls grabbed the sign, tearing it in the process, while Republican members chanted “USA! USA!” The president briefly acknowledged the removal with a “thank you” before continuing his speech.
This was not a first offense. During last year’s address, Green stood up just minutes into President Trump’s remarks and began shouting. Republicans responded then with chants of “USA” and “sit down,” and some even sang “hey, hey, hey, goodbye” as he was escorted out. House Speaker Mike Johnson had to intervene at that time, warning members to maintain decorum and directly instructing Green to take his seat. This year, Johnson did not need to step in. Security handled it swiftly.
Green is no stranger to headline grabbing theatrics. The 11 term Houston congressman has introduced multiple impeachment measures against President Trump, none of which went anywhere. He has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive critics of the president, but critics argue that his tactics often cross into grandstanding.
There is a time and place for protest. A State of the Union address, attended by all three branches of government and broadcast to millions of Americans, is traditionally meant to be a moment of national focus. Lawmakers from both parties typically rise above daily political fights, at least for the duration of the speech.
Instead, viewers got another viral moment, another chant, and another ejection.
Green is also facing a tough primary challenge back home in Texas and is widely expected to lose his seat. Whether this latest protest helps him with his base or reinforces concerns about his conduct remains to be seen. What is clear is that decorum in Washington seems to be in shorter supply every year.
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