At the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, Robert De Niro sharply criticized President Trump, calling him the “American Philistine President” and urging the audience to stand up for the arts.
While accepting the Palme d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award, De Niro expressed his concerns about Trump’s impact on independent art and democracy.
“In my country, we’re fighting fiercely for a democracy we used to take for granted, and it affects everyone,” he said. “It impacts all of us here because art is democratic. Art includes everyone and unites people, just like it does tonight. Art seeks truth. Art celebrates diversity.”
“That’s why art poses a threat. So, we become a threat to dictators and fascists,” he added, prompting applause from the audience.
De Niro also mentioned the chair of the Kennedy Center while criticizing Trump for proposing tariffs on films made overseas.
“The Philistine President has been associated with some of our top cultural institutions. He has slashed funding for the arts, humanities, and education, and now he plans a 100% tariff on films from outside the U.S.,” he stated.
“We can’t put a price on creativity, but we can impose tariffs on it,” he remarked.
In closing, De Niro described this threat as a global concern and called on everyone to passionately and diligently defend the arts, though he made it clear this should be done non-violently.
“All these attacks are intolerable. This isn’t just an American issue—it’s a worldwide one. Unlike films, we cannot just sit by; we must take action,” he emphasized.
“When it’s time to fight for freedom, protest, and above all, vote. This is our moment to show our strength and commitment by celebrating the arts at this magnificent festival.”
De Niro and Trump have clashed frequently. The actor is a vocal supporter of former Vice President Kamala Harris, who opposes Trump in the upcoming election. Before President Biden secured the nomination, De Niro labeled the campaign ad criticizing Trump as featuring an “indifferent and powerful candidate.”
Last year, outside a court in New York City, De Niro called Trump a “clown” for undermining democracy, and Trump has often responded with insults, referring to the actor as “Wakko.”
