Actor Robert De Niro once again criticized President Donald Trump during the Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment event held in New York last Sunday (14).
In his speech, the Oscar-winning actor said he cannot love the United States in its current state and pointed to Trump as one of the main reasons for that feeling. “History is our country, and Trump is destroying it, and who knows what his reasons are, but it’s sick,” the actor lamented.
During his remarks, De Niro compared patriotism under the current administration to an abusive relationship. He said that loving the country today is beginning to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser. He then listed a series of criticisms related to foreign policy, the healthcare system, and the actions of the federal government.
His most direct criticism came when the star declared that he cannot love a country led by “a racist, misogynistic, and xenophobic tyrant,” adding that he cannot love a nation governed by Donald Trump and a Congress that supports him. Despite that, De Niro said he hopes to love the United States again and concluded his speech by stating: “I want my country back.”
The event brought together several celebrities, including Jane Fonda and Bette Midler, and was organized as a celebration of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. The program took place during the same weekend that Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
De Niro: I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser.
I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars, killing thousands of innocents and indirectly causing the deaths and suffering of millions… pic.twitter.com/T4ZHmwRBqx— Acyn (@Acyn) June 15, 2026
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Photo and video: Creative Commons / @Acyn. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
