‘You are gangsters’: Robert De Niro clashes with pro-Trump protesters

De Niro Confronts Pro-Trump Protesters After Biden Campaign Event

Biden Campaign Event

At a news conference held by President Joe Biden’s campaign outside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump is on trial for his hush money case, actor Robert De Niro, along with two officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6 attack, spoke out against the dangers of re-electing Trump.

De Niro’s Remarks

De Niro passionately criticized Trump, highlighting the potential threats he believes Trump’s re-election would pose:

“The Twin Towers fell just over here, just over there. This part of the city was like a ghost town, but we vowed we would not allow terrorists to change our way of life. … I love this city. I don’t want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually he can destroy the world.”

He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating:

“I don’t mean to scare you. No, no, wait — maybe I do mean to scare you. If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted. And elections — forget about it. That’s over; that’s done. If he gets in, I can tell you right now, he will never leave.”

Confrontation with Protesters

After the event, De Niro encountered pro-Trump protesters who insulted him, calling him a “wannabe,” “paid sell-out,” and a “little punk” whose “movies suck.” De Niro responded assertively:

“You’re not going to intimidate. That’s what Trump does. … We are going to fight back. We’re trying to be gentlemen in this world, the Democrats. You are gangsters. You are gangsters!”

When a protester yelled, “You’re washed up,” De Niro retorted with an expletive.

Trump Campaign’s Response

The Trump campaign held its own news conference, mocking Biden’s use of De Niro as a spokesperson. Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller and spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized De Niro, with Leavitt stating:

“Elitist out-of-touch Hollywood actors like Robert De Niro have no idea the real problems that people in this city and across this country are facing.”

Miller added:

“The best that Biden can do is roll out a washed-up actor.”

Biden Campaign Ad Featuring De Niro

In response, the Biden campaign released a new ad featuring De Niro, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The ad will air on television and digital platforms across battleground states.

A Moment of Recognition

Despite the tense confrontation, at least one person in the crowd shouted a compliment to De Niro, saying, “I loved you in ‘Taxi Driver’!”