Robert De Niro Tears Into Trump on Stage

Actor Robert de Niro at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Photo by Harald Krichel under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Robert De Niro didn't just accept a lifetime honor at Cannes — he lit a fire under the world's most glamorous festival with a blistering speech that turned a tribute into a rallying cry against Donald Trump and a defense of global democracy. The two-time Oscar^® winner and cinematic titan took the stage to accept the honorary Palme d'Or — and used the moment to deliver a passionate, pointed attack on Trump's presidency, warning that the damage extends far beyond the United States. This wasn't just another celebrity opinion. This was a full-throated cultural takedown, delivered from cinema's most sacred ground.

A Cannes Opening Like No Other

It was supposed to be a glittering celebration of De Niro's legendary career. Cannes was kicking off its 78th edition with a lavish ceremony, and De Niro was front and center, flanked by longtime friend and co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, who presented the award. But when De Niro took the mic, the tone shifted. In front of a packed Grand Lumière Theater audience, he abandoned Hollywood polish in favor of raw urgency. He warned that the fight for democracy in the U.S. — under siege, he said, by a president hostile to the arts — was a threat to everyone, everywhere.

'Philistine President' or Enemy of the Arts?

De Niro didn't mince words. He labeled Trump a "philistine president," according to Variety, and accused him of undermining creative expression by slashing funding for the arts and education, appointing himself head of prestigious cultural institutions, and, most controversially, proposing a 100% tariff on all non-U.S. films just days before Cannes opened. For De Niro, the attack wasn't just policy — it was personal. He framed Trump's actions as a direct assault on truth, diversity, and the power of storytelling. His message to artists around the world was simple: If we care about liberty, we can't sit back and watch.

Why Cannes Was the Perfect Stage

De Niro knows Cannes. His relationship with the festival spans decades — from early premieres like "Mean Streets" in 1973 to his tenure as jury president in 2011. His collaborations with Martin Scorsese, including "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," and "The Irishman," have made him a staple on the Croisette. So, when he told the audience that the arts bring people together — and that autocrats fear that unity — it resonated deeply in a room filled with international creators. De Niro didn't just criticize — he called for action. He urged audiences to protest, organize, and vote. And in a moment that felt like a passing of the torch, he reminded the world why artists matter — and why their voices can't be silenced.

As reported by Variety, he said, " ... When there's so much in the world pulling us apart, Cannes brings us together — storytellers, filmmakers, fans and friends. It's like coming home."

DiCaprio's Tribute and a Career That Defined Cinema

Before the fireworks, DiCaprio offered a heartfelt introduction, recalling how De Niro changed his life by choosing him for 1993's "This Boy's Life." It was a fitting full-circle moment: DiCaprio had once screamed at De Niro during his audition, desperate to be remembered. He was. And now, decades later, he stood onstage praising the man who helped launch his career. De Niro's influence, DiCaprio said, wasn't just about acting. It was about integrity — showing up for friends, for family, and for democracy.

A Festival of Politics, Power, and Protest

This year's Cannes has been anything but quiet. The opening day also saw discussion of Gérard Depardieu's recent conviction, and freelance workers staged a red-carpet protest over labor protections — the second consecutive year of activism at the fest. But it was De Niro's speech that dominated headlines. He transformed a nostalgic career celebration into a moment of global reckoning — reminding the world that the battle for freedom isn't confined to borders.

References: Robert De Niro attacks Trump in Cannes speech: 'This isn't just America's problem' | Robert De Niro Slams Trump as 'Philistine President' and Enemy of the Arts While Accepting Cannes Honorary Palme d'Or