Rep. Al Green wasn’t subtle — and he wasn’t trying to be.

For the second year in a row, the Texas Democrat was escorted out of the House chamber during a presidential address to Congress — this time after standing in the center aisle holding a sign that read, “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES!” as President Donald Trump made his entrance.

The moment unfolded quickly. As Trump walked in, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise brushed at the sign while entering alongside him. Several Republican lawmakers — including Reps. Pat Fallon (Texas) and John McGuire (Virginia) — attempted to block the message from television cameras. Rep. Troy Nehls (Texas) approached Green, urging him to lower it, while Sens. Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma) and Roger Marshall (Kansas) physically positioned themselves in front of the sign moments before House personnel removed Green from the chamber.

Green remained standing while much of the chamber was seated, holding the sign steady as chants of “USA! USA!” rang out from GOP members and Trump allies during his removal.

The message on Green’s sign was widely seen as a direct response to a racist image of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama that Trump shared earlier this month on Truth Social before deleting it. The post drew backlash across social media and from civil rights advocates who condemned it as dehumanizing and dangerous.

Outside the chamber, Green stood firm.

“We must take a stand against this level of discrimination,” he told reporters. He added that he “would do it again.”

This isn’t Green’s first protest during a Trump address. Last year, he was also removed after interrupting the speech and waving his cane in objection. A longtime critic of Trump, Green has repeatedly introduced articles of impeachment against the president throughout his time in office.

Now in his 11th term, Green’s political future is uncertain. He faces a competitive primary next week that could potentially end his congressional tenure.

Still, Tuesday’s moment made one thing clear: whether on the House floor or outside of it, Green is willing to risk censure — and even his seat — to send a message he believes needs to be heard.