Democrats refuse to stand for Trump as Al Green ejected over ‘apes’ protest sign | Democrats
While dozens of their colleagues boycotted Trump’s State of the Union address, many Democrats in the House chamber Tuesday night made clear their opposition to the president’s remarks.
Congressman Al Green was almost immediately removed from the speech, marking the second consecutive time he has been removed from the annual event. After House Speaker Mike Johnson was ordered out during last year’s speech because he responded by shouting while the president was speaking, the Texas representative’s protest this year was quiet but significant.
As Trump began his speech and the other attendees sat down, Green shouted, “Black people are not monkeys!” He lingered in the center aisle waving a sign that said: As he was being escorted from the room, he continued to hold the banner, which referred to the US president sharing a racist video depiction of Barack and Michelle Obama, even though multiple Republican representatives attempted to grab the banner or prevent it from being seen by cameras.
Rep. Troy Nehls, also of Texas, appeared to engage Green aggressively as he walked past him, just before a staffer escorted the Democratic lawmaker to the door. Senator Markwayne Mullin also approached Green in a threatening manner.
As Green walked out of the chamber, clutching his cane and protest sign, fierce exchanges broke out with Republicans, with several chanting “USA! USA!” He started chanting slogans.
Green’s seat remained empty except for a handwritten cardboard sign that read “Take Green.”
Green has been among Trump’s most vocal critics, becoming the first member of Congress to call for Trump’s impeachment as early as 2017. He also represents a predominantly African American district and has long fought for civil rights.
Green says second impeachment is ‘insignificant’ he told reporters outside He was still holding his sign for the cameras to see. He said nothing could stop him from doing what he believed was right. “You have to make a stand,” he added. “I’m just one person who does this, but I believe there are many others who will do this.”
Green was not alone in his protests against the president. While their Republican colleagues stood and applauded at the end of nearly every sentence Trump said, Democrats spent most of the speech sitting solemnly.
As Trump made comments about his immigration enforcement agenda that drew a standing ovation from Republicans and called on Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security while chastising Democrats for not joining in, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, carrying a badge that read “release the files,” was heard yelling about the shooting death of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse, by federal agents.
“They saw the videos, Mr. President,” he shouted, “They saw the videos.”
Trump told Democrats they should be ashamed, while Rep. Ilhan Omar shouted, “You should be ashamed,” and repeatedly shouted, “You killed Americans.”
