Robert De Niro Lashes Out at Trump Over 'TDS' Claim

The actor calls the president 'damaged' and says 'everything' about him is a problem.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:52pm

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In a recent interview, actor Robert De Niro reacted angrily to President Donald Trump's claim that he suffers from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' De Niro dismissed the claim as 'nonsense' and went on to criticize the president, saying 'People don't like him for a reason, of all the terrible things he's done.' The Oscar-winning actor also called Trump 'damaged' and said 'everything' about the president is a problem.

Why it matters

De Niro's strong rebuke of Trump highlights the deep political divisions in the country, with many high-profile celebrities and public figures openly criticizing the president. The exchange also reflects the ongoing tensions between Trump and his critics in Hollywood.

The details

During the interview, political correspondent Nicholas Ballasy asked De Niro about Trump's claim that the actor has 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' De Niro dismissed the claim as 'nonsense' and went on to say that people dislike Trump 'for a reason, of all the terrible things he's done.' The actor also called Trump 'damaged' and said 'Everything' about the president is a problem. De Niro has previously made other harsh criticisms of Trump, calling him a 'piece of shit,' a 'nasty little bitch,' and an 'enemy' of the United States.

  • De Niro made the comments during an interview on Wednesday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Robert De Niro

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and The Godfather Part II. De Niro has been an outspoken critic of President Trump.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has been the subject of frequent criticism from De Niro and other high-profile celebrities.

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What they’re saying

“Nonsense.”

— Robert De Niro, Actor

“People don't like him for a reason, of all the terrible things he's done.”

— Robert De Niro, Actor

“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. But he's got a problem. He's damaged.”

— Robert De Niro, Actor

“Everything.”

— Robert De Niro, Actor

The takeaway

De Niro's scathing criticism of Trump underscores the deep political divisions in the country, with many high-profile figures in Hollywood and beyond openly condemning the president. The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between Trump and his critics, as well as the challenges facing the country in bridging these partisan divides.