De Niro Warns Trump Won’t Step Down
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro voiced strong criticism of Donald Trump ahead of and during the State of the Union period, saying the president “will never leave” office without action from Americans. De Niro appeared on MS NOW and at a counter-event, State of the Swamp, where he described the current leadership as being controlled by “dishonest and greedy and cruel authoritarians” and expressed feeling “betrayed by my country.”
“He jokes now about nationalizing the elections. He’s not joking. We’ve seen enough already,” De Niro said, calling on citizens to ensure Trump’s departure.
Trump Fires Back on Social Media
Trump responded angrily on his Truth Social account, calling De Niro “deranged” and labeling some of his comments “seriously CRIMINAL.” He also targeted Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who heckled him during the address, and compared De Niro unfavorably to Rosie O’Donnell, whom he has previously threatened with citizenship revocation despite Supreme Court protections.
Trump’s post described De Niro’s emotional reactions as “much like a child would do,” and suggested he is less intelligent than O’Donnell.
Public Opinion and Polling Trends
Recent polling reflects growing scrutiny of Trump’s age and leadership. A Reuters/Ipsos survey found 61 percent of Americans view him as “erratic with age,” with large majorities of Democrats and independents agreeing. Another survey from Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos showed just 39 percent approve of his presidential performance.
Polls also indicate widespread concern over the age of US lawmakers, with 79 percent saying elected officials in Washington are too old to represent most Americans—the average age being 64 in the Senate and 58 in the House. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed these findings as “fake and desperate narratives,” but they underscore continuing public debate about leadership, accountability, and presidential conduct.
