SOTU erupts as Al Green is escorted out over anti-Trump sign

• Green notoriously heckled Trump relentlessly at the start of his 2025 speech to a joint session of Congress, which was rocked by Democratic heckling and walkouts throughout.
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) had repeatedly urged his members in the run-up to the speech to maintain decorum, with lawmakers specifically instructed not to bring signs.

What happened: As Trump entered the chamber, Green held up a sign reading "BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES!" and remained standing as Trump began his speech.

• Numerous Republican lawmakers walked over to Green to confront him verbally, with Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) attempting to snatch the sign out of his hand.
• House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) also attempted to pull the sign down.

Mullin and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) then tried to block Trump's view of Green, who was eventually escorted out by a House sergeant-at-arms staffer.

• But as he was leaving, Green stopped in the chamber and held up his sign directly at Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas). Nehls tried vigorously to snatch the sign out of his hand.

Between the lines: The sign was a reference to Trump's account posting a video to Truth Social this month that depicted former President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.