Donald Trump Lashes Out at Robert De Niro: 'Sick, Demented Person'

Variety
by Zack Sharf
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Donald Trump has escalated his feud with Robert De Niro, calling the actor a "sick and demented person with an extremely low IQ" in a recent Truth Social post. The rant came after De Niro appeared on the "The Best People With Nicole Wallace" podcast, where he broke down in tears while urging Americans to resist Trump's policies. De Niro described Trump as "destroying" America and emphasized the importance of people resisting his administration. In his post, Trump mocked De Niro for his emotional response, comparing him to other critics like Rosie O’Donnell and even suggesting that De Niro should leave the country. He also criticized Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who walked out of Trump's State of the Union address in protest. Trump labeled them as "crazy people" with "bulging, bloodshot eyes," implying they should be institutionalized. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and De Niro, which have been escalating since De Niro criticized Trump during a 2016 appearance on "Saturday Night Live." The feud has become a focal point for entertainment news, with many fans and critics weighing in on both sides. As the conflict continues, it raises questions about how political rhetoric intersects with Hollywood and whether such public disputes will impact either figure's career or reputation. The situation is significant because it blurs the lines between politics and entertainment, drawing attention from both audiences and critics. It also underscores the broader cultural divide in America, as seen through the clash of Trump's supporters and his detractors in the entertainment industry. For readers interested in entertainment news, this feud offers a glimpse into how high-profile individuals navigate public criticism and political polarization.
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Originally published on Variety on 2/25/2026