Robert De Niro grew visibly emotional during a recent interview where he expressed deep concern about the state of the United States under President Donald Trump’s leadership. The Hollywood actor accused Trump of actively damaging the country and fomenting division among its people.
In a detailed conversation with MS NOW host Nicole Wallace on the program The Best People, De Niro, 82, spoke candidly about his views on the current political climate, repeatedly referencing Trump’s role in undermining the nation’s unity and stability. The interview took place amid ongoing debates surrounding Trump’s policies and their impact on American society.
De Niro Condemns Trump’s Leadership Style and Actions
Throughout the 40-minute discussion, De Niro did not hold back his criticism of Trump, labeling the president as “sadistic” and “cruel.” He pointed to specific examples such as the recent deportation operation in Minnesota, which he strongly denounced. The actor also accused Trump, 79, of being “triggered by real men” and showing fear or resentment toward demonstrations of genuine strength.
De Niro’s harsh assessment extended to Trump’s broader influence on the country.
“The story is our country and Trump is destroying it and who knows what his reasons are but it’s sick, it’s f—– up. We have to save this country,”
De Niro said, revealing the intensity of his frustration and worry.
Emotional Plea for Unity and Resistance
As the interview moved toward its conclusion, Nicole Wallace touched on De Niro’s reputation for publicly acknowledging and uplifting those around him during award speeches. She asked why he prioritizes encouraging others, to which De Niro responded with visible emotion, saying,
“You have to – you have to lift people up.”
Wallace pressed further, inquiring why that effort to unify is so important. De Niro replied,
“You have to bring them together. You can’t divide people you can’t win that way.”
At that moment, his voice cracked and tears welled up as he described America’s current predicament under Trump’s administration:
“It’s a no-win situation and look what we have, look who we have there, it’s almost like a destiny to have this this thing there, destroying… attempting to destroy this country and maybe not even understanding why. So it’s up to us to protect the country.”
Urgent Call to Action Amid Uncertainty
When Wallace asked if the country he referred to was “that we love,” De Niro briefly confirmed, simply saying, “Yes.” The host acknowledged the emotional weight of his words, saying,
“You weren’t supposed to make me cry,”
before expressing gratitude for his candidness and asking if he believed the country’s fate was still undecided. De Niro’s reply was somber but resolute:
“I don’t know. All I know is people have to have to resist, resist, resist. There’s no easy way. It’s not going to come to you easy. You know, there’s a time when you know in your own life and your own survival You better do this. You better jump and run through the fire because if you don’t run through the fire, you’re not getting out and that’s what we have to do.”
This conversation highlights not only De Niro’s passionate concern for the nation’s direction but also his urging for collective action in the face of political and social challenges. His emotional reactions underscore the tension and distress many feel about the current division and the uncertain future under the Trump administration. The actor’s call for resistance and unity suggests a defining moment for the country, where citizens must decide how to respond to leadership they view as destructive.
