Full Breakdown
Bill O'Reilly Calls for Investigation into Robert De Niro's Comments on Trump
2/28/2026, 1:53:07 AM
Context of the Controversy
The recent remarks made by actor Robert De Niro during an interview with Nicolle Wallace have sparked significant controversy. In the interview, De Niro expressed his belief that President Donald Trump "will never leave" office and emphasized the need for Americans to "get rid of him," a statement he repeated multiple times. This commentary has drawn the attention of conservative commentator Bill O'Reilly, who interpreted De Niro's words as a potential threat against the President.
O'Reilly's Response and Legal Implications
Bill O'Reilly, on his show "No Spin News," called for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate De Niro, suggesting that his comments could warrant legal scrutiny under U.S. Code 871, which makes it a federal crime to threaten the President or others in the line of succession. O'Reilly stated, “I’d make an example of this guy, De Niro,” asserting that the seriousness of the situation necessitates a response from federal authorities. He further elaborated that if De Niro were to be interrogated and invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, it could lead to charges against him.
O'Reilly's comments included a detailed breakdown of De Niro's statements, questioning the implications of his repeated phrase, “We got to get rid of him.” He argued that any responsible interviewer would have pressed De Niro for clarification on what he meant, especially given the context of past threats against Trump.
De Niro's Advocacy and Emotional Appeal
In the same interview, De Niro became emotional while discussing the current state of the country under Trump's administration. He urged the public to mobilize and participate in protests, advocating for democratic engagement and expressing feelings of betrayal by the nation. De Niro's remarks reflect his longstanding opposition to Trump, positioning him as a vocal critic of the administration's policies and actions.
Criticism and Opposition
O'Reilly's call for an investigation has been met with criticism from various quarters, with some viewing it as an overreach and an attempt to silence dissenting voices. Critics argue that De Niro's comments, while provocative, fall within the realm of political speech and should not be construed as a direct threat. The lack of an official response from federal authorities regarding O'Reilly's demands further complicates the narrative, leaving questions about the appropriateness of such calls for legal action.
What's Next?
As of now, there has been no indication from the DOJ or the Secret Service regarding any investigation into De Niro's comments. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the intersection of celebrity activism and political discourse in the United States.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have to make him leave,” — Robert De Niro, Actor
- “I’d make an example of this guy, De Niro,” — Bill O'Reilly, Conservative Commentator
- “What do you mean by that? He’s elected. Seventy-seven million people voted for him. What’s ‘we got to get rid of him’? Are you talking about impeachment? What are you talking about?” — Bill O'Reilly, Conservative Commentator
The unfolding events highlight the contentious nature of political commentary in America, particularly when it involves high-profile figures like Robert De Niro and the President.
