Trump Launches Furious Tirade Against Robert De Niro
Former President Donald Trump has unleashed a blistering verbal assault on Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, branding the acclaimed actor as "sick and demented" with an "extremely low IQ." This explosive exchange comes in direct response to De Niro's recent participation in a political campaign event that sharply criticized Trump's presidency and called for widespread public protest.
The 'State of the Swamp' Event and De Niro's Emotional Plea
The conflict ignited earlier this week when Robert De Niro, aged 82, headlined the 'State of the Swamp' campaign event at Washington D.C.'s prestigious National Press Club. This gathering, which aired concurrently with Trump's nearly two-hour State of the Union address, featured prominent Democrat politicians, fellow actor Mark Ruffalo, and even some former members of Trump's own administration. The unified message was a passionate call to action against Trump ahead of the crucial November midterm elections.
During his emotionally charged speech, De Niro made a direct appeal to American citizens, stating: 'If you've ever loved your country, this is a time to show it. If you want our leaders to be accountable, if you're devoted to the Constitution and the rule of law, if you want the United States of America to be worthy of your love, be ready to take to the streets together and we will take our country back.'
In a subsequent television interview on The Best People with Nicole Wallace, De Niro became visibly emotional, fighting back tears as he declared that Trump was actively "destroying" the nation. 'It's sick, it's f**ked up. We have to save the country,' the actor insisted, emphasizing that 'People have to resist, resist, resist, resist, resist. That's the only way.'
Trump's Immediate and Vitriolic Response
Not one to let criticism go unanswered, Donald Trump swiftly took to his Truth Social platform to deliver a characteristically fiery rebuttal. His post began with a personal attack on De Niro's mental capacity and character: 'Robert De Niro 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!'
Trump then drew a controversial comparison, suggesting De Niro might be 'even sicker than Crazy Rosie O'Donnell,' referencing his long-time feud with the comedian who recently relocated to Ireland. The former president mockingly noted that O'Donnell was 'probably somewhat smarter than him, which isn't saying much.'
Concluding his social media rant on a triumphant note, Trump asserted: 'The good news is that America is now Bigger, Better, Richer and Stronger than ever before, and it's driving them absolutely crazy!'
White House Joins the Fray with Harsh Criticism
The controversy escalated further when White House communications director Steven Cheung entered the fray with a statement to USA TODAY that echoed Trump's hostile tone. Cheung dismissed De Niro as a 'washed-up has-been who hasn't been relevant in 30 years,' accusing him of 'spewing hate speech and inciting violence against others.'
In remarkably personal terms, Cheung suggested the actor should 'seek immediate treatment for a debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his peanut sized brain.'
De Niro's Broader Critique of Trump and His Movement
This recent confrontation represents merely the latest chapter in De Niro's longstanding vocal opposition to Donald Trump. The actor has consistently used his platform to challenge Trump's legitimacy and intentions, previously labeling him a 'jerk, idiot and clown' who 'does not have the right intentions.' De Niro has also argued that Trump and his political allies represent 'not real Republicans.'
During his recent interview, De Niro expanded his criticism beyond Trump personally to address the broader political movement, warning: 'There's no magic. People are not going to go away, even if Trump dies for some reason by having an illness or something. Parts of that movement are still there, and that's the scary part. It has to be neutralised by the people.'
The actor called for peaceful but determined resistance, urging Americans from all backgrounds to unite: 'Everybody has to get out there every way possible. This is our country. You know, I want my country back. I don't want everybody going around with their MAGA flags and American flags like they're the only ones [who are patriotic]. We are Americans, too.'
De Niro emphasized values of empathy, kindness, and national unity, framing the current political divide as 'way, way, way more serious' than ordinary political tribalism. He expressed particular concern about Trump's potential refusal to leave office after his second term concludes in 2029, stating unequivocally that people must work together to 'get rid of him' as there was 'no way' he would depart voluntarily.
This heated exchange between one of America's most controversial political figures and one of its most respected cinematic artists underscores the deep cultural and political divisions that continue to define the national conversation as the country approaches another critical election cycle.
