TL/DR –
Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, was ejected from President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address for the second consecutive year, after waving a sign that read “Black People Aren’t Apes,” an apparent reference to a racist video Trump posted depicting the Obamas as apes. Green, who was removed from the House chamber during Trump’s address, stated that he believes others agree with his perspective, but feel unable to take a similar stand. Green, a vocal critic of Trump and an advocate for his impeachment, is currently campaigning for a hotly contested primary in Texas’s newly drawn 18th District.
For the second year in a row, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was expelled from President Trump’s State of the Union address held at the House Chamber in Washington.
Green protested Trump’s address holding a sign saying “Black People Aren’t Apes”, a criticism of a controversial video shared by Trump earlier this month, featuring the Obamas as apes.
Catch live updates about the State of the Union speech here
Green was escorted out of the House Chamber waving his sign towards the Republican side. Rep. Troy Nehls, also from Texas, attempted to grab the sign.
After his removal, Green said Trump noticed his sign and received the intended message. He also compared his protest to actions by civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.
Green believes others agree with his stance yet remain unable to act similarly.
Green was also removed from Trump’s joint address to Congress last year, where he protested by shaking his cane towards Trump.
Known as a staunch critic and one of the early proponents of Trump’s impeachment, Green currently is contesting in a tight primary in Houston’s 18th District against Rep. Christian Menefee.
During his campaign, Green has often recalled his removal from last year’s address, stating in an ad that his stand wasn’t for attention, but for principles worth standing for.
The primary is set for March 3.
Trump, who has not apologized for sharing the controversial video, removed it following widespread backlash, including from fellow Republicans, and condemned its racist content.
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