Wed Feb 25 03:01:37 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Lawmaker Ejected from State of the Union After Protest Over Racist Imagery
The Story:
During President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, Democrat Al Green was ejected from the House chamber after holding up a sign that read, “Black people are not apes.” This act of protest was triggered by a post on Trump’s Truth Social account earlier in February 2026, which depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding race and political discourse in the United States.
Key Points:
- Democrat Al Green was ejected from President Trump’s State of the Union address.
- Green’s ejection was due to him holding a sign stating, “Black people are not apes.”
- The sign was a direct response to a Truth Social post by Trump that depicted the Obamas as apes.
- The incident occurred during Trump’s longest State of the Union address ahead of mid-terms, as he seeks to calm economic jitters.
Critical Analysis:
The context reveals that this incident occurred during a period when President Trump was actively engaged in various foreign policy pronouncements (Iran, Pakistan-India conflict) and domestic policy initiatives (big tech power plants) ahead of the mid-term elections. The use of potentially inflammatory imagery on social media, followed by a public protest and subsequent ejection, suggests a calculated strategy to galvanize his base while simultaneously provoking outrage among his political opponents. The timing, immediately before the mid-terms and amidst economic uncertainty, indicates an attempt to shift the narrative and rally support through polarizing rhetoric.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident underscores the deep racial divisions that continue to plague American politics.
- Social media remains a powerful tool for political messaging, capable of inciting both support and protest.
- The State of the Union address has become a site of political protest and disruption.
- President Trump’s communication strategy continues to rely on controversial and divisive tactics.
Impact Analysis:
This event is likely to further polarize the electorate and intensify partisan divisions. The use of racist imagery, even if deniable through social media ambiguity, contributes to a climate of racial hostility. The ejection of Green from the State of the Union will be seen by some as a suppression of free speech and by others as a necessary measure to maintain order and decorum. In the long term, this incident could damage the credibility of political institutions and further erode public trust in government. The mid-term elections will likely be heavily influenced by these types of cultural flashpoints.
First Piper 