Robert De Niro Calls Donald Trump a “Clown” Threatening American Democracy
Actor Robert De Niro criticized Donald Trump, calling him a “clown” bent on destroying American democracy. This happened outside a New York City courtroom where Trump’s hush money trial is ongoing.
Key Points:
- De Niro’s Comments:
- De Niro, a Democrat, attended a Biden campaign event near the Manhattan courtroom.
- He was joined by Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, former law enforcement officers present during the January 6 Capitol attack.
- De Niro said Trump’s candidacy was initially seen as a joke in 2016 but warned against underestimating him, comparing him to historical figures who became dictators.
- He stressed the importance of voting Trump out to protect civil liberties and elections, saying, “If he gets in, I can tell you right now, he will never leave.”
- Biden Campaign Strategy:
- The Biden campaign aims to use media coverage of Trump’s trial to highlight the dangers they believe Trump poses to democracy.
- Trump’s campaign dismissed the event as a stunt, accusing the Biden camp of desperation.
- Jason Miller, a Trump spokesperson, claimed Biden is losing support while Trump’s popularity rises.
- Emotional Remarks from Officers:
- Dunn and Fanone spoke about the violence at the Capitol, blaming Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election being stolen.
- Their speeches were interrupted by a Trump supporter, with pro-Trump demonstrators chanting nearby.
- De Niro’s Critique:
- De Niro described Trump as a “grubby real estate hustler” and a “two-bit playboy” who was once a joke but is now taken seriously.
- He highlighted that New Yorkers, who know Trump well, overwhelmingly rejected him at the polls.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows Biden and Trump are nearly tied among registered voters. The Biden campaign’s focus is to portray Trump as a threat to democracy and emphasize the importance of voting to prevent his return to the White House.