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De Niro, 80, was set to receive the National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB) prestigious Leadership Foundation’s Service to America Award. However, his outspoken remarks about former President Donald Trump led to the NAB rescinding the award.
On Tuesday, De Niro joined a Democrat-organized event outside the Manhattan Criminal Court, where Trump was on trial for falsifying business records to cover up an affair before the 2016 presidential election. Standing before a crowd, De Niro passionately criticized Trump, labeling him a “monster,” “clown,” and “dictator.” His words resonated strongly with some, but drew the ire of others, particularly Trump supporters whom he referred to as “gangsters.”
De Niro’s speech was not just a casual outburst. He was joined by two former law enforcement officers who had been present during the January 6 Capitol riots, underscoring the gravity and symbolism of his remarks. “He doesn’t belong in my city,” De Niro declared, voicing his frustration and warning that if Trump were to be re-elected, “I can tell you right now, he will never leave.”
The NAB quickly responded to De Niro’s high-profile comments. A spokesperson for the organization stated, “While we strongly support the right of every American to exercise free speech and participate in civic engagement, it is clear that Mr. De Niro’s recent high-profile activities will create a distraction from the philanthropic work that we were hoping to recognize.” The award event is known for its bipartisan nature, bringing together individuals from across the political spectrum to celebrate the impactful work of local broadcasters and their partners. To maintain this focus, the NAB decided that De Niro would no longer be attending the event or receiving the award.
De Niro, in a statement to The Hill, expressed his support for the NAB and wished them well in their continued work. Despite the setback, he appeared to remain committed to his civic and philanthropic endeavors.
Trump, never one to shy away from a public spat, responded to De Niro’s tirade by calling the actor “pathetic” on social media. The former president has often found himself at odds with Hollywood figures, and De Niro’s comments added fuel to the ongoing feud between the two.
Adding to the drama, on Friday, Trump was found unanimously guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up “hush money” payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. This conviction marks the first time a former U.S. president has been criminally convicted. Trump maintains his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict.
Responding to the guilty verdict, De Niro told Variety while on the red carpet for his new movie, “Ezra,” that “justice was served.” His words reflect the sentiments of many who have long awaited legal accountability for the former president.
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