Robert De Niro known as President Donald Trump extra than simply an “American problem” on the opening ceremony of this yr’s Cannes Movie Pageant.
Selection reported that the outspoken Trump critic denounced his nation’s chief as a “philistine president” and risk to the humanities whereas accepting an honorary Palme d’Or on Tuesday.
“In my country, we’re fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. And that affects all of us here because the arts are democratic,” De Niro mentioned. “Art is inclusive. It brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth, art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat, that’s why we are a threat, to autocrats and fascists.”
“America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” he mentioned, referring to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Middle. “He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education.”
Throughout his speech, the Oscar-winning actor additionally addressed Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on all movies produced exterior of the U.S., telling his viewers, “Let that sink in for a minute.”
“You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it,” he scoffed.
Pascal Le Segretain through Getty Photos
“Of course, this is unacceptable,” De Niro continued. “All these attacks are unacceptable, and this isn’t just an American problem. It’s a global one.”
Issuing a name to motion, he mentioned, “And like a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act now. Without violence, but with great passion and determination.”
“It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and when there are elections, of course, to vote,” he continued. “Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival.”
De Niro has by no means been shy about taking up Trump, beforehand calling him “a jerk,” a “clown,” a “monster” and a “tyrant,” amongst different issues.
However throughout an look on MSNBC final Could, the star mentioned, “I’m tired of calling him names. He just can’t be anywhere near the office of the presidency.”
De Niro’s political statements have gotten him into some sizzling water, nonetheless. Final spring, the Nationwide Affiliation of Broadcasters’ Management Basis determined to not undergo with giving the actor its “Service to America Award” after he made a fiery speech exterior of Trump’s New York hush cash trial.
“De Niro’s recent high-profile activities will create a distraction from the philanthropic work that we were hoping to recognize,” the group mentioned in a press release.
