The longtime public feud between Robert De Niro and President Donald Trump has intensified once again, with the Oscar-winning actor continuing to speak openly against the president and his administration.
De Niro has never been shy about criticizing Trump. During an appearance on Nicolle Wallace’s The Best People podcast, the actor described the president as “an idiot” and argued that Americans needed to push back against his leadership.
“We gotta get rid of him. He’s gonna ruin the country,” De Niro said, while also criticizing the idea that MAGA supporters have a monopoly on patriotism. “We are Americans too,” he added.
De Niro Takes Aim at Trump
The actor’s comments came during a political gathering known as the State of the Swamp, which was held in connection with Trump’s State of the Union address.
Speaking to the crowd, De Niro described feeling a deep sense of “betrayal” toward his country and called for a return to the principles and values he believes once made America stronger.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to return to the values that gave us our strength and humanity,” he said.
De Niro also urged Americans who believe in accountability, the Constitution, and the rule of law to stand together.
“If you want our leaders to be accountable, if you’re devoted to the Constitution and the rule of law, if you want the United States of America to be worthy of your love, be ready to take to the streets together, and we will take our country back,” he said.
Trump did not appear willing to let those comments go unanswered.
Trump Calls De Niro “Sick” and “Demented”
Trump responded on Truth Social, initially criticizing Democratic representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib over their behavior during the State of the Union.
The president then shifted his attention to De Niro, attacking the actor over his continued opposition to the administration.
Trump referred to De Niro as “Trump Deranged Robert De Niro” and described him as another “sick and demented” person with what he called an “extremely Low IQ.”
He also suggested that De Niro should leave the United States, making the actor part of a broader attack on his political opponents.
The latest exchange added another chapter to a feud that has been playing out publicly for years.
A Feud That Shows No Signs of Ending
De Niro has repeatedly used public appearances to voice his frustration with Trump and the direction of the country.
At Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment, hosted by Jane Fonda, the actor addressed economic struggles and the rising cost of living while criticizing Trump’s comments about Americans’ financial situation.
“When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation, not even a little bit,’ I say, ‘Shut the f*** up,’” De Niro told the audience, encouraging the crowd to repeat the phrase.
The actor went on to explain why he has struggled to reconcile his love for America with what he sees as the actions of the current administration.
“I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser,” De Niro said.
He criticized what he described as wars that harm innocent people, cuts to healthcare, political favoritism, and aggressive immigration enforcement.
“I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant,” he said, before directly criticizing Trump and members of Congress who support him.
Despite his anger, De Niro ended his remarks with a message that made his position clear.
“I want to love my country again,” he said. “I want my country back.”
With Trump continuing to attack the actor publicly and De Niro showing no indication that he intends to stop speaking out, their extraordinary political feud appears far from over.