During a recent episode of the Best People podcast, actor Robert De Niro shared his worries about billionaires and technology CEOs who have apparently yielded to President Donald Trump’s influence over the past year. De Niro discussed the critical need for individuals in positions of power to speak out against Trump, highlighting his unease about those who have chosen a more accommodating stance instead.
De Niro Highlights Fear and Integrity Loss Among Powerful Figures
When asked by Nicolle Wallace whether there is a “Blacklist kind of fear” in Hollywood related to potential retaliation, De Niro confirmed that this fear might be part of the issue but directed most of his criticism at major tech leaders. He specifically mentioned Jeff Bezos, saying,
“What I am more concerned about [are] the people who control those companies, the big tech bros who ought to know better.”
De Niro pointed out Bezos’s recent decision to cut a third of the Washington Post staff and suggested this move reflects anxiety about Trump’s influence rather than principled leadership.
The actor challenged Bezos’s actions by stating,
“What more does he need? The only thing he needs is integrity, and he lost his integrity by doing that.”
De Niro expressed bewilderment over the apparent failure of well-funded billionaires to resist governmental pressure despite having the resources to wage long-term battles.
“You’ve got to stand up. You have the money to fight the government for decades. You have the money to drag it all out, do everything. But what did you do? What did you do? For what? What even came from it? I don’t know. I don’t understand it,”
he added.
Standing Firm Against Intimidation and Spite
Wallace brought up Trump’s notorious spitefulness and questioned whether De Niro fears that trait affecting him personally. The actor replied,
“I can’t afford to be afraid. Of course you have anxiety. You’re afraid. But you’ve got to get out. You’ve got to defy this. You cannot allow them to intimidate you,”
before describing Trump as “The bully in the schoolyard.” He explained how people might lose small battles repeatedly but must not give in to ongoing intimidation tactics.
Emphasizing his patriotism, De Niro said, “I want my country back,” and called on those who have taken the nation’s stability for granted to rise up and remove Trump. He stressed,
“When you talk about the stakes of the election, it’s clear, it’s plain, the evidence is before our eyes.”
Notable Political Figures Praised for Resisting Trump
When asked to identify Democrats effectively opposing Trump publicly, De Niro singled out California Governor Gavin Newsom and Wisconsin Congressman Jason Crow for their efforts. This praise highlights the actor’s interest in political leadership actively confronting the current administration’s actions.
Rejecting the ‘Tough Guy’ Label, Emphasizing Civic Responsibility
Known for intense roles in movies like Raging Bull and The Godfather Part II, De Niro pushed back against his public image as a hardened individual. Reflecting on a comment from Stephen Colbert that called him a “tough guy,” De Niro responded,
“No, I’m not a tough guy. I’m a concerned citizen. Period.”
He shared his anger and frustration with the political and social challenges facing the country:
“I do see what we’re up against, and it makes me so angry. I don’t see how we can ignore it. There’s no easy way around this. It takes a determination and knowing that you have no choice but to go forward. If you don’t go forward, it’s over.”
