Famous actor Robert De Niro harshly criticized former President Donald Trump outside the courthouse where Trump’s hush money trial is happening. Using plain language, here are the key points:
- De Niro called Trump a “clown” who doesn’t belong in New York City
- He accused Trump of wanting to “destroy” America and even the world
- De Niro urged voters to reject Trump to stop him from becoming a “vicious dictator.”
- Trump responded by attacking President Biden and calling the trial judge “corrupt.”
Want to know more about this high-profile clash of words? Keep reading.
De Niro’s Blistering Comments on Trump
Speaking to reporters outside the Manhattan courthouse, Robert De Niro did not mince words about Donald Trump. The Oscar-winning actor said Trump is “a clown” who New York City once “tolerated” when he was a “grubby real estate hustler.”
However, De Niro stressed that someone like Trump – who he claims “will eventually run the country into the ground” – cannot be accepted as a leader. He accused Trump of wanting to “destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually he could destroy the world.”
The legendary Goodfellas star also alleged that Trump “called for terminating the Constitution” and, on January 6th, “rallied an angry mob to threaten democracy.” De Niro urged the public to vote Trump out to stop him from potentially becoming a “vicious dictator.”
Trump Fires Back at Critics
Not one to take criticism lightly, Trump quickly hit back at De Niro and others attacking him. Outside the courthouse, Trump lashed out at President Joe Biden, calling him “the worst president in the history of our country” who is “destroying our country.”
Trump claimed the hush money case should never have been brought, accusing the judge of being “corrupt” and “conflicted.” He called it “a very dangerous day for America” and “a very sad day.”
The former president maintained that he “did nothing wrong” and should never have been charged. Trump’s legal team has sought to have the case transferred to a different court.
About Trump’s Hush Money Trial
The high-stakes trial revolves around accusations that Trump illegally arranged hush money payments to a porn star before the 2016 election. Prosecutors say this violated campaign finance laws.
If convicted on multiple charges, legal experts say Trump could potentially face jail time. However, the Republican has denied all wrongdoing.
The trial takes place as Trump is running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Some worry a conviction could impact his candidacy, though it remains unclear exactly how.
A Contentious Political Battle
The heated verbal sparring between De Niro and Trump underscores the intense polarization around this legal case and the former president in general.
For his supporters, Trump is still a beloved political outsider being unfairly targeted. However, to critics like De Niro, Trump represents an existential threat to American democracy itself.
With such vastly different views, the war of words seems likely to escalate as the trial progresses and the 2024 election cycle heats up. One thing is clear – neither side is holding anything back in this highly-charged political battle.
