During the conversation, De Niro spoke passionately about the state of the United States and his belief that the country is facing a critical moment. At several points, his frustration was evident as he discussed Trump and the political movement surrounding him.
“The story is our country, and Trump is destroying it,” De Niro said during the interview. He went on to argue that Americans must remain engaged and work together to protect the nation’s democratic institutions.
The Oscar-winning actor also described Trump as an “enemy of this country,” insisting that citizens should not underestimate what he sees as the long-term impact of the former president’s influence.
“Let’s not kid ourselves. It’s that simple,” De Niro stated. “Everybody has to stick together to get them out and get back on track.”
According to De Niro, the challenge extends beyond a single political figure. He expressed concern that the movement surrounding Trump could continue even after the president eventually leaves public life.
“There’s no magic,” he said. “People are not going to go away, even if Trump dies for some reason by having an illness or something. Parts of that movement are still there, and that’s the scary part.”
The actor argued that Americans must remain vigilant and actively participate in protecting democratic values.
At one point during the discussion, Wallace praised De Niro for consistently supporting and encouraging others. The comment appeared to strike an emotional chord with the actor.
“You have to lift people up,” De Niro replied, becoming visibly emotional. “You have to bring them together. Period. You can’t divide people. You can’t win that way.”
The conversation later turned to what De Niro views as a broader responsibility among citizens to defend the country’s democratic foundations.
Reflecting on the current political climate, he said Americans must work together to prevent further division and ensure that democratic institutions remain strong.
This is far from the first time De Niro has publicly criticized Trump.
Over the years, the actor has become one of the president’s most prominent celebrity opponents, frequently using interviews, public appearances, and social media videos to voice his concerns.
In October 2025, De Niro appeared in a video released by the political activist organization Indivisible. In the video, he compared Trump to a monarch and warned against what he described as threats to democratic principles.
Drawing parallels to American history, De Niro referenced the nation’s break from British rule and argued that democracy must be actively protected by each generation.
He concluded the message by urging Americans to speak out peacefully and remain engaged in civic life.
De Niro’s latest comments have once again sparked debate among supporters and critics alike. While many agree with his concerns, others strongly disagree with his assessment of Trump and the current political landscape.
Regardless of political affiliation, the actor’s remarks highlight the continuing divide in American politics and demonstrate how influential public figures continue to play a role in shaping political conversations.
As the country moves through another contentious political era, voices from entertainment, media, and public life are likely to remain part of the broader national debate—and Robert De Niro shows no sign of stepping away from that discussion anytime soon.