Democrat Representative Al Green Ejected from Trump's State of the Union Address
In a dramatic incident at the US Capitol, Texas Democrat Representative Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber minutes into President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Wednesday 25 February 2026. The removal occurred after Green held up a sign reading "Black People Aren't Apes" during the presidential speech, causing immediate disruption in the chamber.
Sign References Racist AI-Generated Video Posted by Trump
The sign displayed by Representative Green was an apparent direct reference to a controversial and racist AI-generated video that President Donald Trump had posted online earlier in the month. The video, which sparked widespread condemnation, depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates, using deepfake technology to create offensive imagery.
This incident highlights the escalating tensions in American politics, particularly around issues of race and the use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation. Green's protest action was a pointed response to what many have criticised as Trump's inflammatory and racially charged online behaviour.
Immediate Removal from the Chamber
Security personnel swiftly intervened as Green raised the sign, leading to his immediate ejection from the House chamber. The State of the Union address, a key annual event in the US political calendar, was briefly interrupted by the commotion, drawing attention from lawmakers and attendees alike.
Representative Green, a long-serving Democrat from Texas, has been known for his vocal opposition to Trump's policies and rhetoric. This latest act of protest underscores the deep divisions within Congress and the broader political landscape as the 2026 address unfolded.
Broader Context of AI and Political Discourse
The reference to the AI-generated video points to growing concerns about the misuse of technology in political campaigns and public discourse. Deepfake videos, which use artificial intelligence to create realistic but fabricated content, have become a tool for spreading misinformation and hate speech, with this incident marking a high-profile example of their impact on national politics.
As this story develops, it raises questions about the boundaries of protest in legislative settings and the ongoing challenges of addressing racism in the digital age. The ejection of a sitting representative during a State of the Union address is a rare occurrence, emphasising the severity of the underlying issues at play.
