Renowned Hollywood actor Robert De Niro didn't mince words when expressing
his concerns about former US President Donald Trump. De Niro referred to Trump
as "a fool" and "evil," warning that if Trump were to return to the presidency,
it would pose a grave threat to US democracy.
In a strongly worded statement, De Niro stated that he had spent considerable
time studying "bad men," examining their characteristics, mannerisms, and the
banality of their cruelty. He then made a stark distinction, stating, "Yet
there’s something different about Donald Trump. When I look at him, I don’t
see a bad man. Truly. I see an evil one."
De Niro, known for his roles in films like "Heat," added a critical
observation, noting that even criminals typically have some sense of right and
wrong or a moral code, albeit often warped. However, he contended that Donald
Trump lacked such morals or ethics, asserting that he had contempt for those
he was supposed to lead and protect, as well as those he did business with,
his loyal followers, and even his friends.
The actor criticized the Trump administration's response to the COVID-19
pandemic, likening Trump's leadership to an abusive father who ruled through
fear and violent behavior.
De Niro called for a serious assessment of the danger Trump represents,
emphasizing that evil thrives when dismissed and mocked. He stressed the
importance of not underestimating the potential return of Trump to the White
House, urging critics to engage with Trump's followers respectfully and to
emphasize values like right and wrong, humanity, kindness, and safety.
In the past, Donald Trump had referred to Robert De Niro as a "very low IQ
individual," but De Niro encouraged dialogue that transcends political
divisions and focuses on fundamental human values, emphasizing that democracy
is at stake.
