Protests Disrupt State of the Union Address

During the President's State of the Union address, multiple Democratic members of Congress engaged in various forms of protest. These actions included displays of signs, vocalizations, and differing reactions to the President's remarks, while Republican members also reacted to the protests. The disruptions ultimately led to the removal of one representative from the chamber and early departures by others.

Representative Al Green's Protest Leads to Removal

Representative Al Green (D-TX) was removed from the House chamber during the President's State of the Union address, marking his second consecutive year of removal during such an event. As the President entered the chamber, and again after his address began, Rep. Green displayed a sign stating, "Black People Aren't Apes!" This protest referred to a video posted to the President's Truth Social account on February 5, which depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.

During the sign's display, Majority Leader Steven Scalise reportedly attempted to remove it. Several Republican members, including Representatives Pat Fallon and John McGuire, and Senators Markwayne Mullin and Roger Marshall, attempted to obstruct the view of the sign.

After displaying the sign a second time, Rep. Green was escorted out of the chamber. An interaction between Green and Representative Troy Nehls reportedly became tense before Nehls was moved away. Republican members were observed chanting "USA, USA, USA!" as Green was removed. C-Span cameras captured the protest and removal, though other networks reportedly did not mention it in real-time.

Outside the chamber, Rep. Green stated his removal was "of no consequence" and indicated he would repeat his actions. He described his stand as righteous, asserting a

refusal "to tolerate this level of hate that the President is in fact, putting into policy" and the need to "take a stand against this level of invidious discrimination."

Green also expressed a desire for the President to directly receive his message. His seat inside the chamber remained empty, marked by a handwritten sign. Rep. Green had been censured by the House in the previous year for a similar protest.

Context Behind the "Apes" Video

The video referenced by Rep. Green was removed from the President's Truth Social account on February 6. The White House attributed its reposting to an unidentified aide, having initially defended the content. On the same day, the President stated he had done nothing wrong and would not apologize.

The 55-second video, originally posted in late 2025, depicted the President as a lion alongside other political figures as animals, concluding with a two-second scene showing Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, set to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

Other Democratic Members Voice Opposition

Beyond Rep. Green's protest, several other Democratic members also expressed opposition during the address. Many Democrats remained seated while Republican colleagues applauded the President's remarks.

Some Democrats departed the House chamber early. Senator Mark Warner stated he could not listen to the President's remarks, while Representative Bill Foster left after what he described as a "certain number of bald-faced lies."

Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar vocalized their opposition during the speech and also left the House chamber before its conclusion. Rep. Tlaib, wearing a "release the files" pin, referenced the killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents at a point when the President was discussing immigration enforcement. Rep. Omar was heard shouting "You should be ashamed" and "you have killed Americans."

Presidential Remarks and Gallery Acknowledgments

During his address, the President acknowledged guests present in the gallery, including members of the Men's U.S. Hockey team, a veteran, and Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk. He also included criticisms directed at Joe Biden in his remarks.