Robert De Niro slams President Donald J. Trump at the 78th Cannes Film Festival: "In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted..."

Robert De Niro, the legendary actor, slammed President Donald J. Trump in a politically charged speech while he was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or by Leonardo DiCaprio at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

Why did Robert De Niro slam Donald Trump?

The 81-year-old actor pointed out the recent 100% tariff on foreign-produced films in the United States of America. Slamming the POTUS, De Niro questioned the democracy and artistic restrictions.

“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. That affects all of us here because the arts are democratic. Art is inclusive, it brings people together. Art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat; that’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists,” De Niro expressed, accoridng to Deadline.

“America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” Robert slammed the President.

"Let that sink in..."

“He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education. And now he has announced a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the U.S. Let that sink in. You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it,” he continued.

“This is not just an American problem, it’s a global one. We can’t all just sit back and watch,” De Niro said. “We have to act, and we have to act now, not with violence but with great passion and determination. It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organise, to protest, and when there are elections, of course, to vote. Tonight and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival. Libérté, égalité, fraternité,” Robert De Niro concluded.

The actor received Palme d'or, the presigious award, for his contribution in cinema through his roles in ‘The Godfather’ (1972), ‘Raging Bull’ (1980), ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) and many more.


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