Robert De Niro made news at the Cannes Film Festival for his severe jabs at Donald Trump in addition to receiving the prestigious Palme d’Or for lifetime accomplishment. During his address, the well-known actor didn’t mince words and took a scathing swipe at Trump and his policies.
It’s not simply hyperbole to say that Robert De Niro is one of the greatest actors of all time; it’s true. At the 78th Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony on May 13, 2025, the renowned actor, producer, and director was given a prestigious honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement at the age of 87.
However, De Niro didn’t simply take the prize in silence; instead, he used the occasion to make a speech that astounded the crowd.
On the red carpet, the Deer Hunter legend attracted attention when he arrived with Tiffany Chen, his 45-year-old lover. His daughter, Helen Grace, accompanied the couple for the historic occasion and was also present.
Since De Niro was the Jury President at the same festival 14 years prior, in 2011, it was a full circle moment when Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award. And during his acceptance speech, things became really heated. Known for his candid criticism of President Donald Trump, Robert De Niro didn’t mince words when he commented about the domestic political situation.
“We are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted in my country,” he began. “That affects all of us here because the arts are democratic,” he continued. De Niro shifted his attention to the present U.S. administration and vehemently denounced the latest actions of President Trump.
In reference to Trump’s selection as chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, he remarked, “America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions.”
“He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education, and now he has announced a 100 percent tariff on films that are produced outside the US,” the Goodfellas star said in response to Trump’s recent tariff declaration.
He gave the audience an opportunity to process the remarks before saying, “Give it a minute to sink in.” De Niro emphasized the worldwide ramifications of the crisis, calling it deplorable. “All of these assaults are intolerable. And this is a worldwide issue, not just an American one,” he stated.
He concluded by making a strong case for action, saying, “Like a movie, we can’t just sit back and watch.” We must take action, and we must do it quickly, passionately, and resolutely—without resorting to violence. Anyone who values liberty should organize, demonstrate, and, of course, cast a ballot in elections.
Online, the speech caused a raging debate. Users’ reactions on TikTok and YouTube ranged from skepticism to admiration. “Who hurt him?” and “A man with courage” were among the comments. “Powerful, passionate, yet calm speech,” one commenter wrote. The dude is correct.
It is a call to action to defend the arts and education, two things that Trump and his foreign “friends” are afraid of. “A real American who is concerned about America and the planet where we all live!” someone more wrote.
Reactions were also conflicting on Facebook. He was praised by some: “Very well said.” “Powerful speech,” but some criticized him, saying things like “This guy is insane” or “Shame on him.” Completely out of touch In response, supporters posted things like, “Very well spoken by Mr. DeNiro.” Critics went on to say things like, “He is a joke,” but we must take this seriously and fight back.
How did you feel about De Niro’s vehement speech? Did he go too far, or was it gutsy of him to speak up? Leave a comment below.
