House Republicans have introduced a resolution to censure Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas for disrupting President Donald Trump's State of the Union address for the second consecutive year.

On February 24, 2026, the 79-year-old Green stood and held aloft a sign reading "Black people aren't apes!" as Trump entered the House chamber and began his speech. The protest referenced a racist video clip Trump had posted on social media earlier that month depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes. Floor staff approached Green, attempted to lower the sign, and security escorted him out minutes into the address amid jeers and "U.S.A." chants from Republicans. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Rep. Troy Nehls also tried to intervene by grabbing or blocking the sign.

Green defended his actions afterward, stating he refused to tolerate "this level of hate that the president is in fact putting into policy" and aimed to confront Trump "up close." He indicated he would repeat the protest if necessary.

Rep. Mike Rulli, R-Ohio, filed the censure resolution the following day, describing Green's stunt as a "breach of conduct" and "unpatriotic disruption" that violated House decorum rules. The measure notes it marks the second such removal by the Sergeant at Arms in under a year. Rulli is circulating the document for co-sponsors, including Democrats, and stated, "We can't really put up with that kind of conduct in Congress."

This follows a similar incident in 2025, when Green shouted objections during Trump's joint address to Congress over proposed Medicaid cuts and was censured by the House in a 244-198 vote, with 10 Democrats joining Republicans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed reservations about pursuing censure again, saying Green's ejection already shamed him and deferring to members' judgment. No floor vote has been scheduled as Rulli gathers support.

Democratic leaders had warned members against disruptions to maintain decorum, though some opted for counter-events instead of attending. Green's office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment on the resolution.

A formal censure would publicly rebuke Green on the House floor, but carries no further penalties like committee removal.