Robert De Niro Expresses Deep Discontent with Current US Leadership
Renowned actor Robert De Niro has voiced profound disappointment with the state of the United States, stating that Donald Trump’s presidency has made it impossible for him to “love” his country. The veteran actor made these remarks during a passionate address at the Rise Up, Sing Out concert held in New York City on Sunday.
“Our country isn’t so lovable right now,” De Niro declared to the assembled audience. He drew a stark analogy, describing the situation as akin to “an abused spouse saying they love their abuser.” The event, organized by the Committee for the First Amendment, featured an explicitly anti-Trump stance, with partner organizations including No Kings and Indivisible.
Criticism of Foreign and Domestic Policy
The 82-year-old Oscar winner, sharing the stage with other prominent figures like Jane Fonda and Julia Roberts, did not hold back in his criticism of Trump and his administration. De Niro’s speech came on the same day he celebrated his 80th birthday, a personal milestone that coincided with a UFC event hosted at the White House.
De Niro’s critique spanned both foreign and domestic policy. “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,” he stated forcefully. He also condemned policies related to healthcare, alleging, “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.”
Concerns Over Civil Liberties and Tyranny
Further elaborating on his concerns, De Niro added, “I can’t love a country that sends out masked militias to shoot citizens in the streets, torture our neighbors, and separate families.” He concluded this line of criticism with a direct indictment: “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 a sycophant Congress.” His statement was met with significant applause from the audience.
A Wish for Past Affection
De Niro clarified that his current feelings are a departure from his lifelong affection for the nation. “For most of my life, of course, I did love this country,” he explained. He reminisced about the opportunities and freedoms the United States afforded his immigrant ancestors and fellow citizens. “I want to love my country again. I want my country back,” De Niro expressed, signaling his alignment with the Committee for the First Amendment and the attendees. He urged a collective effort: “Together we rise up, we sing out, we keep organizing, and we fall in love again.”
Echoes of Past Statements and Other Speakers
This sentiment echoes remarks De Niro made earlier this year at the State of the Swamp summit. He also made a pointed jest about the White House UFC event, quipping, “Welcome to all of you who couldn’t get tickets to the White House cage fight.” When addressing his right to free speech, he recalled a specific instance where he reacted strongly to a statement attributed to Trump, saying, “When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don’t care about Americans’ financial situation, not even a little bit,’ I say, ‘Shut the f*** up.'”
Support from Fellow Stars
Julia Roberts also addressed the crowd, encouraging them to “breathe in all that hope” and “breathe out all that fear.” She wore a t-shirt honoring Jane Fonda, styled after Shepard Fairey’s iconic Obama ‘Hope’ poster, and a sport coat with a red, white, and blue lining.
Roberts acknowledged the difficulty of staying informed, stating, “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. But if we keep inhaling and exhaling, we will prevail.”
Historical Context of the Committee
The Committee for the First Amendment boasts a significant legacy, with Jane Fonda reviving the organization founded in 1947 by Hollywood luminaries including John Huston, William Wyler, Phillip Dunne, and Myrna Loy. This original group opposed the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings. Jane Fonda’s father, Henry Fonda, was also a member.
Notable Attendees and Performances
The concert featured a lineup of notable figures. Ayo Edebiri, star of “The Bear,” appeared alongside Fonda. Joy Reid was seen in an elegant white suit, while Tessa Thompson sported a tan double-breasted suit. Patti Smith offered a powerful display of solidarity, and Lily Gladstone, an Academy Award nominee, was present in a distinctive canvas jacket. Beloved children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel also performed on stage with the Peace Poets.
