US3 min(s) read
Published 13:05 17 Jun 2026 GMT
During a controversial speech at an event in New York this week, actor Robert De Niro hit out at US President Donald Trump by comparing him to an abuser.
The Taxi Driver star claimed that he could not love his native United States while it is being run by Trump at the Rise Up, Sing Out concert, held in defence of the First Amendment.
Many household names, including Patti Smith, Sasha Allen, Julia Roberts, and Jane Fonda, attended and performed at the event, which aimed to shed light on the freedom of speech, religion, and the right to hold the government accountable.
In his speech, which has since gained global attention, De Niro explained that in September, he signed a letter protesting late-night host Jimmy Kimmel being taken off the air. According to the national treasure, he objected to one particular line in the letter, which said, "We love our country regardless of political affiliation."
Addressing the crowd, he said, "The phrase, ‘We all love our country,’" stuck in my throat.
"Because our country isn't so lovable right now. I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser."
Hosted on the same day as the UFC Freedom 250, an event commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States, with a series of fights at the White House, which attracted millions of viewers, the concert was allegedly held in opposition to the hedonistic spectacle.
Referencing the mixed martial arts event, De Niro opened his speech with a gag mocking it. He said, "Welcome to all of you who couldn’t get tickets to the White House cage fight.”
However, his tone swiftly changed as he went on to list the reasons that he finds his birthplace unlovable.
De Niro explained, "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.
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"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."
Speaking out about US foreign and domestic policies, the actor who has spent his career depicting the bad guy persona said, "I can't love a country that sends out masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbors, and separate families.
"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."
Hitting back at De Niro, White House spokesman Steven Cheung said to Fox News, "Robert DeNiro is a washed-up has-been who hasn’t been relevant in 30 years.
"Now, he just beclowns himself by spewing hate speech and inciting violence against others. Instead of embarrassing himself every time he speaks, he should seek immediate treatment for a debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his peanut-sized brain."
