Public Exchange of Criticisms Between Robert De Niro and Donald Trump
Actor Robert De Niro and former President Donald Trump have engaged in a public exchange of criticisms following Mr. De Niro's recent media appearances and remarks at a Washington event. Mr. De Niro publicly characterized Mr. Trump as "an idiot" and described him as "failing, flailing and desperate." Mr. Trump responded on Truth Social, referring to Mr. De Niro as "sick and demented" and attributing to him an "extremely Low IQ."
Robert De Niro's Recent Statements
During an appearance on "The Best People with Nicole Wallace" podcast, Robert De Niro expressed strong views on the former president.
"We gotta get rid of him. He’s gonna ruin the country."
He also addressed political divisions, stating, "I don’t want everybody going around with their Maga, the American flags, like they’re the only ones. We are Americans too."
Mr. De Niro subsequently spoke at the "State of the Swamp" event in Washington, D.C., an event organized as a counterpoint to Mr. Trump's State of the Union address. At this event, Mr. De Niro described the former president as "failing, flailing and desperate" and expressed feeling "betrayed by my country."
Earlier, in an interview with HBO Max's Chris Wallace, Mr. De Niro had described Mr. Trump and his allies as "not real Republicans." He also referred to Mr. Trump as "a jerk, an idiot … and a clown." He further indicated that, while not a strong supporter of Kamala Harris, he believed she was "sensitive to the condition of the country, the people" and possessed "the right intentions."
Donald Trump's Truth Social Response
On Wednesday, Donald Trump posted extensively on Truth Social in response to these criticisms, targeting Mr. De Niro directly.
Mr. Trump stated that the actor should "get on a boat with Trump Deranged 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!"
Mr. Trump further compared Mr. De Niro's emotional display to that of a child and suggested he "may be even sicker than Crazy Rosie O’Donnell." Mr. Trump has frequently used the phrase "Trump derangement syndrome" to describe political opponents.
Mr. Trump's social media posts also included criticism of Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. He referred to them as "Low IQ" and "mentally deranged" after they reportedly shouted and left the Capitol early during his State of the Union address. He described them as having "bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly, look like they should be institutionalised," and suggested their deportation.
Prior Interactions
The National Association of Broadcasters had previously rescinded a leadership award intended for Mr. De Niro. This decision followed critical statements he made about Mr. Trump outside a criminal trial in New York.