Rep. Al Green was escorted out of the House chamber Tuesday night during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address after holding up a sign reading "Black People Aren't Apes!"

The incident occurred minutes into the speech, as Trump entered the chamber and began speaking before a joint session of Congress. Green, positioned on the center aisle, stood silently with the sign visible to Trump and others. House personnel removed him shortly after, prompting Republican lawmakers including Reps. Troy Nehls, Pat Fallon and John McGuire, and Sens. Markwayne Mullin and Roger Marshall to attempt blocking the sign from view and urging him to leave. Republicans chanted "USA, USA" as Green departed.

The sign referenced a video Trump shared on Truth Social earlier this month depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama with their faces superimposed on cartoon apes in a jungle setting. The clip promoted false 2020 election fraud claims and drew widespread backlash. Trump deleted the post, stating he had not seen the offensive ending and blaming a staffer, but offered no apology.

Speaking to reporters after his removal, the 76-year-old Green said he intentionally chose his seat to ensure Trump saw the message. "Judging from the expression on his face, he got the message," Green told NBC News. "I wanted the president to see it, and he saw it... Black people are not apes, and for him to do what he did was racist." He compared his action to stands taken by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, adding, "Sometimes you have to take a stand."

This marks the second consecutive year Green has been ejected during a Trump address to Congress. Last year, during a joint session, he stood and shook his cane toward the president in protest, leading to his removal and later censure. A longtime Trump critic who has repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against him, Green faces a competitive Democratic primary on March 3 in Texas' newly redrawn 18th District against Rep. Christian Menefee.

House Democratic leaders, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries, had urged members to either attend quietly or boycott the speech to avoid distractions. Jeffries said earlier Tuesday he was not concerned about disruptions. Most Democrats remained seated as Republicans stood and applauded Trump.

Green told reporters outside the chamber he was not defying leadership but making a point to the president. "At some point you cannot let racism continue. If you tolerate it, you perpetuate it," he said. He indicated he would repeat the protest if given the chance.