Actor Robert De Niro delivered a forceful political speech Sunday evening, telling attendees at a New York protest concert that he cannot love the United States while President Donald Trump remains in office.
The remarks came during the “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert, an event organized in support of the First Amendment and held at Town Hall in New York City. Speaking before a supportive crowd, De Niro launched into an extended critique of both Trump and the current direction of the country.
“Our country isn’t so lovable right now,” De Niro told the audience.
The Oscar-winning actor compared expressions of patriotism under current circumstances to what he described as an abusive relationship, arguing that he could not support a nation engaged in policies he opposes. During his speech, he cited wars, healthcare policy, immigration enforcement, and Trump’s leadership as reasons for his dissatisfaction.
“I can’t love a country that starts stupid and inhumane wars,” De Niro said, criticizing military conflicts that he argued have resulted in large-scale suffering and loss of life. His comments reflected a broader frustration with government policies that, in his view, have moved the nation away from the values he once admired.
De Niro also criticized what he called a “sycophant Congress” and accused the current administration of pursuing policies that he believes harm ordinary Americans.
The crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the speech, frequently cheering and applauding as the actor delivered his remarks.
After pausing briefly, De Niro reflected on what he described as his longtime affection for the United States. He said the country had provided opportunities and freedoms to his family after welcoming his immigrant ancestors.
“For most of my life, of course, I did love this country,” he told the audience.
The actor said he hopes to one day feel that sense of pride again, explaining that his participation in the event stemmed from a desire to restore what he believes the country has lost.
“I want to love my country again. I want my country back,” De Niro said.
He encouraged attendees to remain politically active and continue organizing around issues they care about, presenting civic engagement as the path toward achieving the changes he hopes to see.
The comments echoed statements De Niro made earlier this year during a protest event in Washington, where he similarly questioned whether Americans should feel pride in a country whose policies they oppose.
At that earlier event, De Niro asked attendees whether they could love a country where neighbors were harmed by government actions or where healthcare was unavailable to large numbers of citizens.
Sunday’s remarks, however, represented a more direct and definitive statement. Rather than posing questions about the state of the country, De Niro plainly stated that he cannot love America as long as Trump is leading it.
The speech underscored the actor’s continuing role as one of Trump’s most outspoken celebrity critics. It also highlighted the deep political divisions that continue to shape public debate, with supporters and opponents of the president often offering sharply different views about the direction of the country.
For De Niro, the message was clear: while he said he once loved the nation and hopes to do so again, he believes that cannot happen under the current administration.
[READ MORE: Pakistan Says U.S.-Iran Peace Framework Near as Negotiators Push to End Prolonged Conflict]
