As the No Kings protests continue to sweep across the nation, drawing millions of participants in opposition to President Donald Trump, actor Robert De Niro has intensified his criticism of the president and his administration. The protests have gained momentum, and De Niro, alongside other prominent figures, has used his platform to call for change and greater accountability.
De Niro’s Strong Criticism of President Trump
During a conversation with Rev. Al Sharpton on March 28, 2026, De Niro expressed his growing concern about the direction of the country under President Trump. Speaking passionately about the massive turnout for the No Kings protest, the 82-year-old Oscar-winning actor said:
- “Our democracy is at stake, period. And this fool is taking it with the fools around him. It’s like a surreal dream; it’s crazy.”
- “We cannot let up until the midterms are resolved, and resolved for the right reasons.”
De Niro, known for his outspoken views, has been vocal in his opposition to Trump, calling him “damaged” and “not well.” He accused the president of trying to deflect from other scandals, specifically the Epstein files, and warned that Trump would “try anything” to maintain his power.
“I don’t want to say the word ‘hope’ again that things will get even better and stronger, but it’s the only way we’re going to get out of this,” De Niro added. “My country’s at stake. I’m not going to keep my mouth shut, and why should I?”
Massive Turnout for No Kings Protests
The No Kings protests, which began as a grassroots movement to oppose Trump’s policies, have grown into one of the most significant protest movements in the U.S. in recent years. According to organizers, 8 million people attended 3,300 events across the nation on March 28, 2026, surpassing previous turnout records. This wave of activism is unified in its opposition to Trump, with key issues including:
- Immigration enforcement
- Healthcare access
- Environmental protections
- Gun control
- War funding
The movement has seen support from numerous high-profile celebrities, including Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Mike Farrell, who have all taken to the streets to advocate for change.
De Niro’s Public Address at No Kings Event
During a press conference for the New York No Kings event, De Niro took the stage to deliver a forceful message:
- “When the crowds are chanting ‘no kings,’ what I’m hearing, as we all know, is ‘no Trump.'”
- “There have been other presidents who occasionally tested the limits of their constitutional power, but none have been such an existential threat to our freedoms and security, except Trump. He must be stopped, and he must be stopped now.”
De Niro also voiced his concerns over Trump’s controversial executive orders, particularly the one aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, which has been deemed unconstitutional by civil rights groups. He reiterated the importance of upholding the 14th Amendment and protecting the rights of all Americans.
Focus on War and Accountability
In addition to criticizing Trump’s domestic policies, De Niro expressed his opposition to unnecessary wars, particularly those that drain resources and cost American lives. With the ongoing conflict in Iran, De Niro called for an end to wars that sacrifice U.S. servicemen and women and cause widespread harm.
As the U.S.-Israel war with Iran enters its fifth week, tensions continue to rise, with over 300 American service members wounded and 13 killed. The Pentagon has confirmed that troops and aircraft have been deployed to the region, further escalating the conflict. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including a 15-point ceasefire plan offered by the U.S. to Iran, the situation remains tense, with Tehran rejecting the U.S. proposals in favor of its own.
De Niro’s remarks reflect the growing frustration and concern among many Americans about the country’s involvement in foreign conflicts and the toll it takes on both soldiers and civilians.
White House Responds to Protests
In response to the No Kings protests, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the events as nothing more than “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions,” accusing the media of giving them undue attention. Her comments reflect the ongoing polarization in U.S. politics, where figures like De Niro and Trump are deeply divided on key issues.
The Road Ahead: From Streets to Ballots
As the protests continue to gather strength, De Niro and others involved in the No Kings movement are determined to take their message from the streets to the ballot box. De Niro’s call to action is clear: “Go from the streets to the ballot box.”
With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, the outcome of these protests remains to be seen. The No Kings movement has made it clear that it will not rest until it sees meaningful change in the country’s leadership.
The No Kings protests represent a powerful show of resistance against the policies and leadership of President Donald Trump. With millions of people joining the movement and high-profile figures like Robert De Niro leading the charge, the protests continue to grow in strength. As De Niro and other activists emphasize, the stakes are high, and the fight for democracy and accountability is far from over.
