Robert De Niro Recites Lincoln's Call for Civility at Carnegie Hall Benefit

The Oscar-winning actor delivered a powerful reading of Abraham Lincoln's 1838 "Lyceum Address" at a Tibet House US fundraiser.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a surprise appearance at the 39th annual Tibet House US benefit concert at Carnegie Hall, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro took the stage to recite excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's 1838 "Lyceum Address." De Niro's even and measured delivery of Lincoln's warning against mob violence and call for "reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason" to guide the nation resonated with the audience, coming at a time of deep political divisions in the United States.

Why it matters

De Niro's decision to recite Lincoln's words on the importance of civility and the rule of law was seen as a subtle rebuke of the current political climate, marked by rising tensions and a rejection of democratic norms. The benefit concert, which raises funds for the nonprofit cultural organization Tibet House US, featured a diverse array of musical performers, poets, and artists who also used their platforms to denounce violence, intolerance, and threats to democratic institutions.

The details

De Niro, known for playing tough-guy roles in films like "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas," delivered Lincoln's 1838 "Lyceum Address" in an even, measured tone. The speech, which warned against the dangers of "the mobocratic spirit" and called for "reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason" to guide the nation, was used as inspiration for composer Philip Glass' Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln." Glass had previously canceled the symphony's planned premiere at the Kennedy Center, citing the venue's "values" being "in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony" under the Trump administration.

  • Robert De Niro made the surprise appearance and recitation at the 39th annual Tibet House US benefit concert on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Abraham Lincoln delivered the original "Lyceum Address" in Springfield, Illinois in 1838, early in his public life.

The players

Robert De Niro

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as "Taxi Driver," "Goodfellas," and "The Godfather Part II."

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, known for his leadership during the American Civil War and his advocacy for preserving the Union and abolishing slavery.

Philip Glass

An American composer who co-directs the nonprofit cultural organization Tibet House US, which hosted the benefit concert where De Niro recited Lincoln's words.

Tibet House US

A nonprofit cultural and educational organization that hosted the 39th annual benefit concert where De Niro's recitation took place.

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What they’re saying

“Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason, must furnish all the materials for our future support and defense. Let those materials be molded into general intelligence, sound morality, and in particular, a reverence for the constitution and laws.”

— Robert De Niro (wklh.com)

The takeaway

De Niro's recitation of Lincoln's timeless words on the importance of civility, reason, and respect for democratic institutions served as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of the 16th president's warnings, particularly in an era marked by deep political divisions and threats to the rule of law.