Robert De Niro Channels Abraham Lincoln at Carnegie Hall Benefit

The actor's recitation of Lincoln's 'Lyceum Address' was a pointed commentary on the state of American discourse.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Robert De Niro's recent recitation of Abraham Lincoln's 'Lyceum Address' at a Carnegie Hall benefit for Tibet House US was more than just a performance. It was a powerful commentary on the current state of American political and social discourse, echoing Lincoln's warning against the dangers of a society ruled by passion rather than reason.

Why it matters

De Niro's choice to channel Lincoln's words underscores a growing concern about the erosion of civility in public life, as well as a broader struggle for artistic expression to engage with politically charged themes without fear of censorship or backlash.

The details

The event featured a diverse lineup including Elvis Costello, Maya Hawke, and Laurie Anderson, but it was De Niro's unexpected turn as a messenger of Lincoln's warning that resonated most powerfully. Lincoln's address, delivered in 1838, cautioned against the dangers of a society ruled by passion rather than reason, a message that De Niro brought to life with gravitas. This choice of material, particularly given De Niro's outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump, underscores the actor's desire to use his platform to address the erosion of democratic norms.

  • The event took place on March 4, 2026 at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
  • Lincoln's 'Lyceum Address' was originally delivered in 1838.

The players

Robert De Niro

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'The Godfather Part II' and 'Taxi Driver', who used his platform at the Carnegie Hall benefit to recite Abraham Lincoln's 'Lyceum Address'.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, whose 1838 'Lyceum Address' cautioned against the dangers of a society ruled by passion rather than reason, a message that resonated through De Niro's recitation.

Philip Glass

A renowned American composer who was forced to cancel the Kennedy Center premiere of his Symphony No. 15, 'Lincoln', due to disagreements with the center's leadership following changes initiated by the Trump administration.

Tibet House US

A nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to preserve Tibetan culture, which hosted the Carnegie Hall benefit concert that featured De Niro's Lincoln recitation.

Elvis Costello

A British singer-songwriter who performed his song '(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding' at the Tibet House US benefit, serving as a reminder of music's long history as a vehicle for protest.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Kennedy Center has announced that it will be reviewing its policies and procedures regarding artistic programming in the wake of the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Philip Glass's symphony premiere.

The takeaway

Robert De Niro's recitation of Abraham Lincoln's 'Lyceum Address' at the Carnegie Hall benefit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of civility, reason, and artistic freedom in a time of growing political and social division. This event is part of a larger trend of artists using their platforms to address pressing issues, a trend that is likely to continue as society grapples with increasing polarization and the need for meaningful dialogue.