In a striking commentary, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro has unleashed a scathing critique of former President Donald Trump, labeling him as “pure evil” during an interview while Trump appeared in court as a criminal defendant. De Niro, known for his outspoken views, expressed disbelief at the former president’s ascent to power and the ongoing legal troubles he faces, calling the situation “absurd.”
Sitting just blocks away from the courtroom, De Niro reflected on Trump’s past actions, condemning him as a “con artist” who has evaded accountability for years. He articulated a sense of relief that Trump may finally face consequences for his alleged misdeeds, stating, “He is sick. Really, genuinely a sick person that somehow has been allowed into our system.” De Niro emphasized the danger Trump poses to American democracy, warning that his potential return to the presidency could lead to chaos reminiscent of historical tyrannies.
The actor urged voters to reconsider their support for Trump, equating the situation to the rise of Adolf Hitler in Germany, and stressed the importance of recognizing the threats to democracy. “Democracy is great, of course, but people take it for granted,” he said, asserting that Trump’s behavior is “beyond wrong.”
De Niro did not shy away from addressing potential repercussions for the arts and media should Trump regain power, predicting impulsive actions against those he perceives as adversaries. He called for resistance against such threats, emphasizing the need for civil pushback in the face of tyranny.
In a call to action for fellow celebrities, De Niro dismissed fears of alienating fans, declaring, “The idea, to be bullied at my age by someone like this, it is not happening.” As the nation watches the unfolding legal battles and political landscape, De Niro’s remarks resonate as a stark warning about the fragility of American democracy and the imperative to stand against what he describes as a looming threat.