Celebrity3 min(s) read
Robert De Niro delivered a blunt four-word message to Donald Trump on the president’s 80th birthday earlier this year in June. Speaking at the event hosted by Jane Fonda, Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment, the Goodfellas star borrowed an iconic line from his 1988 movie Midnight Run to voice his anger.
Addressing the crowd in New York City, De Niro referenced comments made by Trump regarding the nation's economy. The actor repeatedly led the audience in chanting his four-word order to the president.
The exchange came after escalated political friction between the actor and the commander in chief.
Trump previously took to Truth Social to attack his vocal critics following his State of the Union address, singling out lawmakers as well as De Niro.
In his post, Trump called De Niro a "sick and demented person" and suggested that he should be deported alongside political opponents, alleging that some of the actor's actions were "seriously CRIMINAL!"
During the First Amendment concert, De Niro highlighted his frustration with recent economic challenges and price increases across the country. He specifically called out comments Trump made regarding the cost of living.
“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 declared to the crowd. He then led attendees in repeating the phrase.
De Niro spoke extensively about his feelings toward the current state of the nation under Trump’s leadership. He expressed deep sadness over national policies and the general political climate, stating that he feels betrayed.
“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. "I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions more. I can’t love a country that takes healthcare away from millions of people and uses that money to enrich their pals in the Trump-Epstein class. I can’t love a country that sends out masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbors, and separate families."
He continued, "I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant. And let me just say it: I can’t love the country that’s led by Donald Trump and his sycophant Congress.”
Closing his remarks, the Oscar winner made a final plea regarding his hopes for the future of the nation.
“I want to love my country again," De Niro said. "I want my country back.”
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