UMVA has learned that Robert De Niro has unleashed a scathing attack on Donald Trump, declaring that the US is no longer a country he can love while the president remains in power.
The 82-year-old Oscar winner made the remarks during the Rise Up, Sing Out concert at New York City’s Town Hall on Sunday, an event organised by activist groups. De Niro compared loving America under Trump’s leadership to an abusive relationship, saying, "Our country isn’t so lovable right now. Loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser."
De Niro launched into a lengthy criticism of Trump’s administration and Congress, condemning US foreign policy, immigration enforcement, and healthcare reforms. He stated, "I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars. I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals."
The actor saved his harshest criticism for Trump himself, branding him a "racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant". De Niro told the cheering crowd, "I can’t love the country that’s led by Donald Trump. And a sycophant Congress."
Despite the fiery rhetoric, De Niro insisted his frustration stemmed from his affection for the United States rather than a rejection of it. He said, "For most of my life, of course, I did love this country. The United States of America welcomed my immigrant ancestors. It gave me, my family, and my fellow citizens such rich opportunities and extraordinary freedoms."
De Niro expressed hope that the country could eventually return to those ideals, adding, "I want to love my country again. I want my country back."
The event featured appearances from several high-profile Hollywood figures, including Jane Fonda and Julia Roberts. Roberts urged attendees not to disengage from politics despite the exhausting news cycle, saying, "We all feel like, 'I can’t turn the news on, I don’t want to hear it.' But we have to hear it; we have to face it."
This is not the first time De Niro has clashed with Trump. The actor has been one of the president’s most outspoken celebrity critics for years, frequently using interviews and public events to condemn his leadership.
De Niro’s comments drew sustained applause from attendees, forcing him to pause before continuing his speech. The actor’s passionate plea was a call to action, urging Americans to stand up against injustice and fight for their country’s values.
