We can't all just sit back...: Robert De Niro slams Trump at Cannes Film Festival

ANI May 14, 2025 443 views

Robert De Niro used his Cannes Film Festival speech to condemn Donald Trump’s policies, calling them a threat to democracy and creativity. He criticized Trump’s tariffs on foreign films and cuts to arts funding, urging global action. Leonardo DiCaprio honored De Niro, praising his legendary influence on cinema. The speech highlighted the festival’s celebration of artistic freedom and resistance to political suppression.

"We can’t all just sit back and watch. We have to act now." – Robert De Niro
We can't all just sit back...: Robert De Niro slams Trump at Cannes Film Festival
Washington, May 14: Robert De Niro received an honorary Palme d'Or award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where he delivered a powerful speech criticising Donald Trump's policies.

Key Points

1

De Niro warns against Trump’s threats to democracy and arts funding

2

Calls for global action against divisive policies

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Slams 100% tariff on foreign films as anti-creativity

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Receives honorary Palme d’Or presented by Leonardo DiCaprio

De Niro expressed his concerns about the impact of Trump's presidency on democracy, the arts, and education.

"We are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted," De Niro said, emphasising that art is democratic and inclusive, bringing people together and embracing diversity, according to Deadline.

He slammed Trump's actions, including cutting funding for the arts, humanities, and education, and imposing a 100 per cent tariff on foreign films.

"You can't put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it," De Niro added.

De Niro stressed that Trump's actions are not just an American problem but a global one, requiring collective action.

"We can't all just sit back and watch. We have to act and we have to act now, not with violence but with great passion and determination," he urged, as quoted by Deadline.

De Niro concluded his speech by emphasising the importance of celebrating art and liberty, quoting the French Revolution's motto: "Liberte, egalite, fraternite".

Leonardo DiCaprio presented the honorary Palme d'Or award to De Niro, praising his contributions to cinema.

DiCaprio recalled his early career, highlighting De Niro's role in his breakthrough film, This Boy's Life.

"He created the blueprint. He wasn't just another great actor, he was the actor," DiCaprio said.

Earlier, actor Whoopi Goldberg also raised her concerns over President Donald Trump's proposal to implement a 100 per cent tariff on foreign-produced movies, calling it a move that would limit the US film industry.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
As an Indian film lover, I appreciate De Niro speaking up for artistic freedom. Our Bollywood industry also faces challenges when politics interferes with creative expression. Art should unite, not divide! 🇮🇳🎬
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Rahul S.
While I respect De Niro's views, as Indians we should focus on our own democracy first. Hollywood stars criticizing foreign leaders feels a bit hypocritical when they remain silent on issues in other countries. Just saying!
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Ananya M.
"Liberté, égalité, fraternité" - what beautiful words to end with! ✨ As someone who grew up watching De Niro's films, it's inspiring to see him use his platform for important causes. Art truly has no borders.
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Vikram P.
The tariff on foreign films is concerning. Imagine if India did this - we'd miss out on so much global cinema! Our film industry thrives on cultural exchange. Hope better sense prevails in US policy-making.
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Shreya N.
De Niro makes valid points, but I wish Indian celebrities would show this same courage when speaking about issues in our country. Our artists often stay silent on political matters unlike Hollywood stars.
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Karan D.
Interesting to see global reactions to Trump's policies. In India, we've seen how art and education funding cuts affect society. Hope this speech makes people think about preserving cultural spaces everywhere.

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Robert De Niro Donald Trump Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or arts funding Hollywood