Actor Robert De Niro became emotional during a podcast appearance as he voiced concern about the direction of the country under President Donald Trump and urged Americans to “resist” the administration.
De Niro made the remarks Monday on MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace’s podcast, “The Best People.”
Wallace described the 82-year-old actor as an important figure in New York City’s cultural identity.
She continued by asking what concerns him most about the Trump administration’s impact on the city.
De Niro warned of what he described as potential “retribution” against New Yorkers, referencing immigration enforcement efforts.
“People have to resist, resist, resist, resist, resist!” he declared.
“That’s the only way. There’s no magic,” he said.
“There’s no nothing – 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.
“It has to be neutralized by the people.”
Emotional Exchange
Wallace referenced an Academy Award speech De Niro gave in 1981, noting that he emphasized lifting others up.
When she asked why that message remains central to him, the conversation again turned to politics.
“You have to,” De Niro said, beginning to cry.
“You have to lift people up.
“You have to bring them together. Period.
“You can’t divide people.
“You can’t win that way. It’s a no-win situation.”
He continued:
“And look what we have. Look who we have there.
“It’s almost like our destiny to have this thing they’re destroying — attempting to destroy this country and maybe not even understanding why.
“So it’s up to us to protect the country.”
Wallace responded:
“You weren’t supposed to make me cry.”
As the interview concluded, Wallace asked De Niro how he believes the political landscape will evolve.
“I don’t know,” De Niro replied.
“All I know is people have to resist, resist, resist, resist.
“There’s no easy way,” he claimed.
“It’s not going to come to you easy.
“You know, there’s a time when you know in your own life and your own survival, you better do this, you better jump and run through the fire.
“Because if you don’t run through the fire, you’re not getting out, and that’s what we have to do.”
Wallace ended the exchange by saying:
“I’m glad I get to run next to you.”
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Ongoing Celebrity Criticism
De Niro has long been one of President Trump’s most vocal critics in Hollywood.
His latest remarks come amid continued debate over immigration enforcement and the administration’s broader policy agenda.
President Trump has defended his actions as necessary to restore law and order, strengthen border security, and prioritize American citizens.
The exchange highlights the deep cultural and political divide that continues to define national discourse, with prominent entertainment figures increasingly using media platforms to weigh in on policy and elections.
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