De Niro Voices Frustration with US Leadership
Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro spoke out against Donald Trump following the State of the Union, predicting that Trump “will never leave” office. At a counter-event called State of the Swamp at the National Press Club, De Niro said he felt “betrayed by my country” and described the US as being run by “a handful of dishonest and greedy and cruel authoritarians.” He called on Americans to take responsibility for restoring the country’s values.
Trump Responds with Social Media Outburst
Trump reacted angrily on Truth Social, singling out De Niro and Democratic Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, calling them “lunatics” and suggesting deportation. He described De Niro as “deranged” and “seriously CRIMINAL,” comparing him unfavorably to Rosie O’Donnell, whose citizenship Trump had previously threatened to revoke despite Supreme Court protections.
Polls Highlight Public Skepticism
Recent surveys indicate widespread concern over Trump’s behavior and the age of US political leaders. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 61 percent of Americans believe Trump has become erratic with age, including 89 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of independents. Another survey showed 79 percent feel elected officials in Washington are too old to represent most Americans, with the average age in the Senate at 64 and 58 in the House. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll also revealed that only 39 percent approve of Trump’s handling of the presidency, though the White House dismissed these findings as “fake and desperate narratives.”
