Full Breakdown
Robert De Niro Condemns President Trump at New York First Amendment Concert
6/15/2026, 8:56:56 PM
Background & Context
Committee for the First Amendment, founded 1947, revived 2025 by Jane Fonda, organized “Rise Up, Sing Out” at Town Hall, NYC, to celebrate First Amendment freedoms. The lineup also featured Julia Roberts, Bette Midler, Tessa Thompson and others. Event coincided with President Trump’s 80th birthday and a White House UFC celebration marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Timeline of Events
Early Sunday: Trump hosted UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn for his birthday and the 250th anniversary. Later that morning: Trump posted a finalized Iran peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Evening: The Rise Up, Sing Out concert began; De Niro delivered his speech.
De Niro’s Critique
De Niro called the United States “not so loveable right now,” comparing patriotic devotion to an abused spouse’s loyalty. He cited “stupid and inhumane wars,” health-care cuts affecting millions, and “masked militias” as reasons he “cannot love” the country. He labeled Trump a “racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant” and said he wants “my country back.” He framed his remarks as free-speech absolutism, replying to Trump’s claim about not thinking of Americans’ finances with a profanity-laden retort.
Official Statements & Responses
The White House has not responded publicly. Trump’s Truth Social post earlier that day announced the Iran peace agreement and the Strait of Hormuz reopening, unrelated to the concert.
Criticism & Opposition
Trump supporters have called De Niro “Trump Deranged,” accused him of “criminal speech,” and dismissed his comments as “nonsense.” The president’s camp has used the phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome” to describe De Niro’s criticism.
Why It Matters
The incident reflects sharp political disagreement over the Trump administration and shows how prominent artists use First Amendment venues to shape political debate, raising questions about the limits of free expression.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Because our country isn't so loveable right now.” — Robert De Niro, actor
- “I hate to say it but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser.” — Robert De Niro
- “When I hear Trump say, ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.’ I say, ‘shut the f**k up.’” — Robert De Niro
- “They should actually get on a boat with Trump Deranged Robert De Niro, another sick and demented person with, I believe, an extremely Low IQ, who has absolutely no idea what he is doing or saying – some of which is seriously CRIMINAL!” — Donald Trump, via Truth Social
What’s Next
Observers note the lack of a White House response, and the Committee for the First Amendment has not announced any further events.
