Robert De Niro criticized U.S. President Donald Trump during a public appearance in New York City, telling attendees at a concert that he wants to “love my country again.” The Oscar-winning actor spoke at the Rise Up, Sing Out concert held at The Town Hall on Sunday. The event was organized by members of the Committee for the First Amendment, a group of artists and cultural leaders, including Jane Fonda, that advocates for freedoms protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
De Niro's Remarks on Free Speech
During his remarks, De Niro said he was committed to defending constitutional rights, including freedom of speech. “All parts of it, not just the free speech part. That said, I'm pretty close to being a free speech absolutist... even for speech I don't like, and there's plenty of that around. So, when I hear something I don't like, I use my own free speech to respond,” he said.
Referring to a recent comment he attributed to Trump, De Niro added: “Let me give you an example. When I hear Trump say, as he did a few days ago, ‘I don't think about Americans' financial situation.’ I say, ‘Shut the f**k up!’”
Reflections on Love for Country
The actor also reflected on a previous event held by the Committee for the First Amendment in October, explaining why he found it difficult to say the phrase “we all love our country.” “Because our country isn't so loveable right now,” De Niro told the audience before criticizing policies and actions he associates with the current administration and Congress.
Concluding his speech, the actor said he hoped to regain the sense of pride he once felt in the United States. “For most of my life, of course, I did love this country. The United States of America welcomed my immigrant ancestors, it gave me, my family, and my fellow citizens such rich opportunities and extraordinary freedoms. I want to love my country again. I want my country back. That's why I stand with the Committee for the First Amendment,” he said.
Other attendees included Julia Roberts, Bette Midler, Ms Rachel, Tessa Thompson and Rufus Wainwright.
