During a Monday appearance on The Best People with Nicolle Wallace, renowned actor Robert De Niro became visibly emotional while discussing the influence of former President Donald Trump on the United States. De Niro’s comments highlighted his deep concern about the divisions and threats he believes Trump poses to the country.
Host Nicolle Wallace prompted De Niro by asking why he is consistently focused on uplifting those around him, which triggered an emotional response from the actor known for portraying mobsters and hitmen in his career. De Niro’s answer shifted quickly to a critical take on Trump’s leadership.
De Niro Stresses Unity and Urges Resistance Against Division
De Niro emphasized the importance of bringing people together rather than fostering division.
“You have to lift people up. You have to bring them together. Period. You can’t divide people. You can’t win that way. It’s a no-win situation. And look what we have,”
De Niro said before highlighting the perceived threat Trump represents.
He continued,
“Look who we have there. It’s almost like a destiny to have this thing there attempting to destroy this country and maybe not even understanding why. So it’s up to us to protect the country.”
As the conversation unfolded, Wallace reacted emotionally as well, remarking,
“You weren’t supposed to make me cry.”
Calls for Active and Urgent Opposition to Trump’s Policies
De Niro urged those listening to actively fight back, asserting that the effort to resist Trump is essential to the nation’s survival.
“You better jump and run through the fire, because if you don’t run through the fire, you’re not getting out,”
he declared.
“And that’s what we have to do.”
Wallace responded with solidarity, saying,
“I’m glad I get to run next to you. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
De Niro’s Refusal to Portray Trump and Predictions on Election Risks
Despite his long career embodying complex, often unsavory characters, De Niro made it clear in a March 2024 episode of Real Time with Bill Maher that he would not portray Trump in any capacity.
“He’s such a mean, nasty, hateful person. I’d never play him as an actor, because I can’t see any good in him,”
De Niro stated.
“Nothing. Nothing at all. Nothing redeemable in him.”
At that time, he also warned of dangerous consequences should Trump be reelected.
“If he wins the election, you won’t be on the show anymore,”
De Niro told Maher.
“He’ll come looking for me. There’ll be things that happen that none of us can imagine. That’s what happens in that kind of a dictatorship, which is what he says. Let’s believe him. Take him at his word.”
Despite these warnings, Maher’s show has continued airing, although his outspoken criticism previously prompted a sharp rebuke from Trump on his social media platform in February.
Wide-Ranging Concerns About Political Climate and Media Environment
De Niro’s distress reflects broader anxiety over the state of the nation and leadership, particularly during a time of marked political polarization. His emotional appeal underscores a sense of urgency among some public figures to galvanize resistance against divisive forces they see as threatening American values and democratic institutions.
The discussion also touches on the role of individuals in confronting these challenges, with De Niro urging continuous vigilance and collective action to protect the country’s future.
