How Robert De Niro Clashed with Pro-Trump Protesters During Biden Campaign Event

Image Credit: Rolling Stone

In a politically charged atmosphere outside the Manhattan courtroom where former President Donald Trump is on trial for his hush-money case, actor Robert De Niro clashed with pro-Trump protesters during a news conference held by President Joe Biden’s campaign. This latest incident highlights the deepening political divide in the country as the 2024 elections approach.

The Biden campaign organized the news conference to highlight the dangers of re-electing Trump. De Niro, along with two officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, warned about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency.

De Niro began his remarks by referencing the tragic events of September 11, 2001. “The Twin Towers fell just over here, just over there. This part of the city was like a ghost town, but we vowed we would not allow terrorists to change our way of life,” he said, emphasizing his deep connection to New York City. “I love this city. I don’t want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually, he can destroy the world.”

His speech took a more intense tone as he addressed the potential re-election of Trump. “I don’t mean to scare you. No, no, wait — maybe I do mean to scare you,” De Niro continued. “If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted. And elections — forget about it. That’s over; that’s done. If he gets in, I can tell you right now, he will never leave.”

Following the news conference, De Niro encountered a group of pro-Trump protesters as he made his way back to his car. The protesters hurled insults, calling him a “wannabe,” a “paid sell-out” to the Democratic National Committee, and a “little punk” whose “movies suck.”

Unfazed, De Niro shot back, “You’re not going to intimidate. That’s what Trump does. … We are going to fight back. We’re trying to be gentlemen in this world, the Democrats. You are gangsters. You are gangsters!”

The confrontation continued with a protester shouting, “You’re washed up,” to which De Niro responded with an expletive. This clash underscored the fierce emotions and divisive rhetoric that characterize the current political landscape.

In response, the Trump campaign held their own news conference, mocking the Biden campaign’s decision to enlist De Niro. Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized “elitist out-of-touch Hollywood actors like Robert De Niro who have no idea the real problems that people in this city and across this country are facing.” Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller also chimed in, saying, “The best that Biden can do is roll out a washed-up actor.”

Despite the criticism, the Biden campaign released a new advertisement featuring De Niro, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The ad is set to air on television and digital platforms across key battleground states. During the heated exchange on Tuesday, at least one De Niro fan managed to voice support, shouting, “I loved you in ‘Taxi Driver’!” amidst the chaos.

The incident between De Niro and the pro-Trump protesters exemplifies the heightened political tensions as the nation heads towards the next presidential election. This event, coupled with the ongoing legal challenges facing Trump, continues to shape the political discourse, influencing voter sentiment and campaign strategies on both sides. As the 2024 election draws nearer, such confrontations are likely to become more frequent, reflecting the deep divisions within American society.

As reported by NBC News in their recent article