Trump Unleashes Fury on De Niro After Actor's Political Criticism
Former President Donald Trump has responded aggressively to actor Robert De Niro's recent public denunciations, launching a scathing attack on Truth Social that labeled the Oscar-winning performer as "sick, demented" and possessing an "extremely low IQ." This exchange marks the latest chapter in their long-standing public feud, which intensified following De Niro's appearance at a Washington political event designed as a counterpoint to Trump's official State of the Union address.
De Niro's Blunt Assessment at Alternative Event
During Monday's episode of "The Best People" podcast with Nicole Wallace, Robert De Niro delivered his characteristically direct assessment of the former president, stating unequivocally: "He's an idiot. We gotta get rid of him. He's gonna ruin the country." The veteran actor, who has consistently criticized Trump's politics, morals, and competence throughout his presidency and beyond, expanded on his concerns about political polarization in America.
"I don't want everybody going around with their Maga, the American flags, like they're the only ones," De Niro emphasized. "We are Americans too." This sentiment carried forward to his headline appearance at Tuesday's "State of the Swamp" event in Washington, where he delivered an emotional speech describing Trump as "failing, flailing and desperate" while expressing feelings of national betrayal.
Trump's Extended Truth Social Retaliation
On Wednesday, Donald Trump devoted substantial digital real estate to countering De Niro's criticisms through his Truth Social platform. His response began with controversial suggestions regarding Democratic representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, whom he proposed deporting after they left the Capitol building early during his State of the Union address.
Trump characterized the representatives as having "the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalized." He then turned his attention directly to De Niro, describing him as "another sick and demented person with, I believe, an extremely Low IQ, who has absolutely no idea what he is doing or saying – some of which is seriously CRIMINAL!"
The former president added a particularly personal observation about De Niro's emotional display: "When I watched him break down in tears last night, much like a child would do, I realized that he may be even sicker than Crazy Rosie O'Donnell." This reference to "Trump derangement syndrome" – a phrase Trump frequently employs to characterize his political opponents – represents a recurring theme in his rhetorical approach.
Historical Context of the Feud
This recent exchange builds upon years of public tension between the two prominent figures. Shortly before Trump's 2024 re-election campaign, De Niro told HBO Max's Chris Wallace that he considered Trump and his allies "not real Republicans" and described the former president as "a jerk, an idiot … and a clown."
While acknowledging he wasn't "a particular fan" of Vice President Kamala Harris, De Niro contrasted her approach with Trump's, noting she was "at least … sensitive to the condition of the country, the people." He elaborated: "She'll make mistakes. Of course, everybody does, but we need somebody with the right intentions, this guy does not have the right intentions, and everybody knows that. It's insanity. Period."
The professional consequences of De Niro's political stance became evident earlier that year when the National Association of Broadcasters rescinded a leadership award scheduled for presentation to the actor after he spoke out against Trump outside the former president's criminal trial in New York.
This ongoing public conflict between Hollywood and political spheres continues to highlight the deep cultural and ideological divisions within contemporary American society, with both figures employing increasingly personal language to characterize their opposition.
