14.05.2025 08:50
American actor Robert De Niro targeted Donald Trump in his speech while receiving the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Highlighting the threats to democracy and art, De Niro stated, "Art disturbs fascists." The veteran actor emphasized that art cannot be silenced and called on the entire world to take action.
Actor Robert De Niro has returned to his sharp criticisms of Donald Trump after a brief hiatus from participating in elections, attacking the U.S. president again during his acceptance speech for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 78th Film Festival in Cannes, De Niro stated that the re-elected commander-in-chief of the U.S. poses a global threat.
WE ARE FIGHTING FOR DEMOCRACY WITH ALL OUR MIGHT In his speech, which received a standing ovation at the Grand Lumière theater in Cannes, Robert De Niro said, "In my country, we are now fighting for democracy, which we once took for granted, with all our might. This concerns not only the U.S. but all of us. Because art is a crucible that brings people together, seeks truth, and embraces diversity. That is why art is a threat to oppressive regimes."
The master actor, who raised his voice against interventions in art and freedoms, also harshly criticized Donald Trump's cuts to support in culture, art, and education, as well as his appointments to the Kennedy Center. De Niro stated, "The culture-less president of the U.S. appointed himself to the heads of cultural institutions. He cut funding for art, humanities, and education. Because autocrats and fascists fear art." In his speech, Robert De Niro also addressed Donald Trump's plan to impose a 100% customs duty on films produced abroad just 10 days ago, criticizing this decision with the following words: "You cannot put a price on creativity, but apparently, you can impose a customs duty on it. This is unacceptable. These attacks are not just a problem for the U.S., but for the whole world. We cannot just sit back and watch like a film. We must take action, and we must do it now."