Actor Robert De Niro responded to criticism from President Donald Trump and his allies during remarks in Washington, rejecting claims that he suffers from what is commonly referred to as “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and offering further criticism of the president.
De Niro was asked about the label during an exchange with political correspondent Nicholas Ballasy.
“What do you say to Trump and his allies who are saying you have the TDS — Trump Derangement Syndrome?” Ballasy asked.
“Nonsense,” De Niro replied.
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The actor went on to expand on his criticism of President Trump, saying, “People don’t like him for a reason, of all the terrible things he’s done.”
He continued by referencing what he said could have been a different approach during Trump’s time in office.
“If he did nice things — he had the chance, he became president, to do nice things, not hateful, retribution, just outright mean things — if he did nice things, people would love him,” De Niro said.
“But he’s got a problem. He’s damaged,” he added.
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When asked to identify his main criticism of President Trump, De Niro responded briefly. “Everything,” he said.
The actor paused before offering a short follow-up comment, stating, “Everything that we all know now,” without providing additional detail.
De Niro has previously made a number of critical remarks about President Trump in public appearances and interviews.
Those remarks have included calling the president “a piece of shit,” a “nasty little b*tch,” and an “enemy” of the United States, as well as stating that he would like to “punch” him in “the face.”
De Niro made his latest comments while in Washington, D.C., where he attended proceedings at the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday.
The arguments focused on the issue of birthright citizenship.
After observing the proceedings, De Niro was asked for his reaction to how the arguments were presented before the court.
“I’m not sure, because I could hear, but not hear. It’s complicated. So, I can’t say,” he said.
The actor also addressed the Trump administration’s position on birthright citizenship, which argues that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally should not automatically be considered U.S. citizens.
De Niro dismissed that argument, stating it was a political effort by Republicans.
“It’s that simple,” he said, describing it as an attempt to “get rid of people they don’t want.”
The comments come as public debate continues over immigration policy and constitutional interpretation surrounding citizenship, with the issue currently under review at the nation’s highest court.
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ROBERT De NIRO IS A WANNA-BE!!! HE IS NOTHING WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICS & BECOMING LESS OF AN ACTOR AS HE GETS OLDER. HIS SENSE OF RIGHT& WRONG IST KAPUT!! A LITTLE SUPPORT FROM HIM & HIS CRONIES MIGHT GO A WAYS & HELP THE US TOWARD SHOWING SOLIDARITY!! OTHERS KNOW THERE ARE ”PEOPLE” LIKE HIM HERE & HOPE TO CAPITALIZE ON THEIR ”HATRED OF DONALD TRUMP” TO GET A LEG UP ON HIM. EVEN W/ THOSE IDIOTS AGAINST HIM—HE’S TOO SMART FOR THOSE ANTI-TRUMPERS!!