Robert De Niro lashes out at President Trump in Cannes rant

At the Cannes Film Festival, veteran actor Robert De Niro used his platform to sharply criticize President Donald Trump, drawing both applause and disapproval. His remarks highlighted the ongoing clash between Hollywood and American politics.

While accepting the honorary Palme d’Or, De Niro, 81, shifted focus from his celebrated career to politics, denouncing Trump as a “philistine president” and warning of threats to democracy.

“We are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” he told the audience at the Grand Lumière theater. His comments reflected a growing trend of celebrities using global stages for political statements.

The actor also condemned Trump’s recent Kennedy Center appointment and a proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films, arguing that “you can’t put a price on creativity.” Supporters of the policy, however, see it as a way to protect U.S. industries and foster domestic talent.

Despite Hollywood’s criticism, Trump remains popular. Having defeated Kamala Harris in 2024, he returned to the White House with a renewed pledge to secure borders, boost the economy, and support working-class Americans.

At Cannes, reactions were divided. Some praised De Niro, while others felt his remarks were out of place at a celebration of cinema, underscoring the cultural divide between elite celebrities and everyday voters.

While De Niro speaks out from international stages, Trump continues to project strength at home and abroad, focusing on economic growth, tough foreign policy, and the concerns of ordinary Americans.