Robert De Niro attacks Trump during Cannes festival: "A bully threatening democracy and the arts"
American star and Oscar winner, Robert De Niro, continues his sharp criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump, warning of the danger of his policies on global democracy and artistic freedoms.
In an interview with "The Guardian," De Niro said: "We have to stop what's happening, it's madness. We can't deal with this apathetically. You have to speak up even if you face harassment," adding: "This man is a bully, and you can't let bullies win. If you give in to him today, he'll ask for more tomorrow."
The veteran actor affirmed that he will not back down from his stances, saying: "I'm too old to be scared of that now, and I won't be able to look at myself if I remain silent."
De Niro also criticized the silence of some politicians, like Senator Marco Rubio, who ignored Trump's criticisms of Ukraine despite his previous support for it.
De Niro had sharply criticized Trump while receiving the "Honorary Golden Palm" at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, describing the possibility of Trump's return to the presidency as a "global threat," saying: "In my country, we fight for a democracy we once took for granted. This doesn't just affect the United States, but all of us; because art unites us, shows the truth, embraces diversity, and is therefore a threat to oppressive regimes."
Amid applause from the audience at the "Grand Lumière" hall, he continued: "Art poses a threat to fascists; that's why we are threatened today. Trump appointed a hardline president to a prestigious cultural institution, reduced government support for arts, humanities, and education."
De Niro also condemned Trump's statements about imposing 100% tariffs on foreign films, considering that "creativity cannot be priced," and emphasizing that the battle against these policies "is not just American, but global."
De Niro's statements sparked a significant reaction on social media platforms, with many praising his courage and defense of human values.
The actor concluded his speech at Cannes by calling on the audience to "take action, vote, and protest peacefully," saying: "Tonight and during the festival days, we demonstrate our commitment to art, freedom, equality, and brotherhood."
