Actor Uses Protest Stage to Call Out Trump’s Birthday Fight

Robert De Niro spoke at a New York protest concert on Sunday, poking fun at President Trump’s 80th birthday UFC event that took place on the White House lawn. The fight show was billed as a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, but many saw it as Trump putting himself in the spotlight. De Niro laughed at the spectacle, saying people who missed tickets were welcome to his protest crowd. During the speech, he shared mixed feelings about the country as it approaches its 250th year. He compared loving America to a person who loves an abusive partner, arguing that the nation’s current actions hurt millions. He cited wars, loss of healthcare and violent militia attacks as reasons he can’t love the nation.He singled out Trump, calling him a racist and misogynist tyrant who leads the country with corrupt allies. The actor said Trump’s presidency is an existential threat to freedom and security, urging people to stop him immediately. He referenced past presidents who tested limits but claimed none matched Trump’s danger. De Niro also criticized the president’s takeover of cultural institutions, calling him a “philistine” leader. Trump has responded by labeling De Niro a deranged, criminal figure with low intelligence. The actor dismissed those attacks as nonsense and kept his criticism public. In closing, De Niro reminded the audience of America’s original promise to immigrants and freedoms. He said he once loved the country but now feels it is being betrayed by its leaders.