In a moment that will be etched into this chapter of American politics, Houston’s own Rep. Al Green was escorted out of the chamber Tuesday night — just minutes into President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
Green stood near the front, silent but unyielding, holding a sign that read: “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” The message was a direct rebuke of a racist video Trump shared earlier this month depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes — a post the president deleted, but never apologized for.
Before Trump even entered the chamber, some Republican lawmakers demanded Green lower the sign. Others attempted to snatch it from his hands. He did not budge.
Less than two minutes into Trump’s speech — as the president proclaimed America was “bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before” — Green was removed from the floor.
As he exited, shaking his cane and exchanging heated words with colleagues, including Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, the tension in the room was unmistakable. Fallon later said he told Green his protest was “shameful.” For many in our community, the greater shame was the silence in the face of racism.
This marks the second time Green has been removed during a Trump address. Last year, he was ejected after protesting proposed Medicaid cuts.
Other Democrats spoke out during the speech but were not removed. Meanwhile, dozens skipped the address altogether, attending a “People’s State of the Union” rally instead — signaling what many describe as extraordinary times demanding extraordinary responses.
As Houston’s Black newspaper of record, we understand the weight of protest in the face of disrespect. Green’s act was not random. It was rooted in a long tradition of resistance — of refusing to let dehumanization slide quietly into the record.
The question now isn’t just about decorum.