Actor Robert De Niro has intensified his criticism of former President Donald Trump, asserting that facing a bully requires action and resistance. Speaking to MSNBC on Sunday, De Niro expressed his support for the “No Kings” protests, which mobilized millions across the United States to challenge Trump’s influence and political ambitions.
De Niro emphasized the need for increased resistance, stating that politicians must prioritize the reactions of the public over the fears of Trump. “The politicians are going to recognize that: either face the wrath of Trump or the wrath of the people – and they have to be more afraid of the wrath of the people,” he said during the interview. His comments came amid widespread protests opposing Trump’s potential bid for a third term.
In his remarks, De Niro asserted the urgency of opposing Trump’s ambitions, declaring, “We cannot let up on him because he is not going to leave the White House. He does not want to leave the White House. He will not leave the White House.” He cautioned that anyone who believes Trump would simply step aside is “deluding themselves.” The actor likened the situation to a classic bullying scenario, insisting that confronting such a figure requires a united front.
Historical Context and Ongoing Resistance
De Niro has a long history of vocal opposition to Trump. In a prior video supporting the No Kings protests, he drew parallels between the current political climate and the American Revolution. He noted, “The original No Kings protest was 250 years ago. Americans decided they didn’t want to live under the rule of King George III. They declared their independence and fought a bloody war for democracy.”
He reflected on the struggles for democracy over the past two and a half centuries, stating, “We’ve had two and a half centuries of democracy since then. Often challenging, sometimes messy, always essential.” De Niro continued with a pointed reference to Trump, calling him “King Donald the First” and urging the public to rise against what he perceives as a threat to democracy. “We’re all in this together, indivisible with liberty and justice for all,” he remarked.
His disdain for Trump is not new; De Niro previously described him as “a bullshit artist” in a 2016 video and stated in a 2019 interview with the Guardian that he looked forward to seeing Trump in jail. More recently, in 2023, he referred to Trump as “evil” and criticized him as “a wannabe tough guy with no morals or ethics.” In a May 2023 interview, he reiterated, “The man is a bully and you can’t let bullies win.”
As protests continue and public sentiment around Trump remains polarized, De Niro’s comments reflect a broader movement among those who oppose his political aspirations. The ongoing discourse around the former president’s influence is expected to shape the political landscape leading up to the next election cycle.
