Robert De Niro Slams Trump in Fiery Cannes Speech After Receiving Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert De Niro didn’t just walk the red carpet at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival—he took the stage and sparked serious conversation. The 87-year-old Hollywood legend was honored with the prestigious honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement on May 13, but it was his politically charged acceptance speech that really stole the spotlight.
A Big Night — and a Big Statement
De Niro, known for his decades of powerful performances and equally strong opinions, accepted the award from Leonardo DiCaprio at the 78th edition of the iconic French festival. His partner, 45-year-old Tiffany Chen, and daughter Helen Grace joined him for the milestone occasion.
While many expected a sentimental thank-you, De Niro used the moment to deliver a bold political message—directly criticizing former President Donald Trump and the current state of American politics.
“We’re fighting for democracy”
“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” De Niro said. “That affects all of us here, because the arts are democratic.”
He didn’t hold back when calling out Trump’s recent actions, especially regarding cultural institutions and the arts.
“America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” he said, referring to Trump’s controversial appointment as chair of the Kennedy Center. De Niro also slammed the announcement of a 100% tariff on foreign films, warning that these moves hurt artists and audiences alike.
“Let that sink in for a minute,” he told the stunned audience.
“We have to act”
De Niro warned that this wasn’t just an issue for the U.S. but one the entire world should take seriously.
“All these attacks are unacceptable. And this isn’t just an American problem—it’s a global one,” he said.
He ended with a passionate call to action: “Like a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now—without violence, but with great passion and determination. It’s time for anyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and, when there are elections, to vote.”
Internet Reacts: Cheers and Criticism
The speech lit up social media. On TikTok and YouTube, reactions ranged from praise to pushback.
One user wrote, “Powerful, passionate, yet calm speech. The man is right. It’s a call to protect education and the arts.” Another added, “An actual American, who cares about America and the planet.”
But not everyone agreed. Some Facebook users dismissed the speech as “out of touch,” while others accused De Niro of politicizing the arts. Still, plenty defended him: “Very well said. We need to take this seriously and fight back.”
What Do You Think?
Robert De Niro has never been shy about sharing his views—but did he go too far this time, or was his message a necessary wake-up call?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
