Robert De Niro spoke at the Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment in New York on Sunday, sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and his administration’s actions [1, 2]. During the event, De Niro led the crowd in repeatedly chanting "shut the fuck up!" in response to Trump’s remarks and policies [1].
De Niro said he cannot love a country currently led by Trump, comparing expressions of patriotism to an abused spouse loving their abuser. "I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser," he said [1].
The actor accused Trump’s leadership of starting "stupid and inhumane" wars that have killed thousands and caused suffering for millions more. He said he could not love a country that removes healthcare access from millions to enrich associates connected to Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. De Niro also condemned the use of masked militias to shoot citizens, torture neighbors, and separate families. "I can’t love a country that’s led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant," he added, directly naming Trump and his Congress [1, 2].
Trump has previously attacked De Niro’s character, calling him "deranged", "sick and demented," with "an extremely low IQ" [1]. A White House spokesman further dismissed De Niro as a "washed-up has-been" who incites violence and suggested he seek treatment for "Trump Derangement Syndrome" [2].
De Niro has repeatedly voiced his opposition to Trump, including a teary interview in February 2026 in which he urged people to resist the administration [2].
Sunday’s event reinforced his ongoing vocal criticism and public protest against Trump’s policies.
