At a counter-event to Trump’s State of the Union address, titled State of the Swamp, De Niro spoke to attendees about the importance of civic engagement and warned that division and misinformation could harm the nation.
In response, Trump took to Truth Social, criticizing De Niro’s remarks and suggesting that the actor’s statements reflected a personal bias against him. He wrote that figures like De Niro, along with protesting lawmakers, were “driven by anger” and accused them of spreading misinformation. Trump also made rhetorical comments about removing critics, though these remarks drew immediate attention because De Niro is a U.S. citizen.
Despite the escalation, De Niro has remained steadfast in his criticism while emphasizing unity and the need for Americans to support one another. “You have to lift people up,” he said on the podcast. “You have to bring them together. Division doesn’t solve anything.”
This public exchange marks the latest chapter in a long-standing rivalry between the Hollywood actor and former President, highlighting how personal and political disagreements can quickly play out in the public sphere.