Robert De Niro condemns Trump at First Amendment fundraiser

Actor Robert De Niro delivered a sharply critical speech against President Donald Trump at a First Amendment fundraising event in New York City on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The event, titled "Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment," was held at The Town Hall and organized by the Committee for the First Amendment.

During his remarks, De Niro repeatedly led the audience in chanting "Shut the fuck up!" in response to statements he attributed to Trump. He cited recent presidential comments, including, "I don't think about Americans' financial situation," and, "I love the inflation," as prompts for the chant. De Niro described himself as "pretty close to being a free speech absolutist" and said he uses his own speech to respond when he hears something he does not like.

The actor's criticism extended to a broader condemnation of current American leadership and policy. Reading from a letter about patriotism, De Niro took issue with the phrase "we all love our country." He stated, "Because our country isn't so lovable right now. I hate to say it, but loving our country is starting to sound like an abused spouse saying they love their abuser." He then listed a series of...