Texas Congressman Al Green made his presence known again during President Donald Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address, one year after being ejected from the chamber.

In 2025, Green was removed after repeatedly interrupting Trump’s speech and criticizing proposed Medicaid cuts. The House later voted to censure him, with bipartisan support.

This year, Green returned, this time seated on the aisle holding a sign that read, “Black people aren’t apes.”

“The first time it was spontaneity,” Green told NBC News. “This time it was with intentionality. I wanted to make sure that I got a message to him.”

Green said his actions were not about defying Democratic leadership, but about making a direct point to the president. A longtime critic of Trump who has previously pushed for impeachment, Green stood firm, saying he is willing to accept any punishment that comes with his protest.

“At some point you cannot let racism continue. If you tolerate it, you perpetuate it,” Green said. “I refuse to tolerate racism.”

The moment adds to growing tensions in Congress and highlights the sharp political divide surrounding Trump’s presidency.