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Robert De Niro got visibly emotional on live television, calling President Donald Trump “the enemy of this country.” Speaking with MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace on Monday evening, the Oscar-winning actor urged Americans to resist Trump’s divisive agenda and protect the nation’s future.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Time of Interview: Monday evening, February 23, 2026 on MS NOW
- Network: Nicolle Wallace hosted the emotional sitdown conversation
- Key Quote: “The story is our country and Trump is destroying it”
- De Niro’s Message: Americans must “resist, resist, resist” divisive leadership
Actor Breaks Down Discussing Trump’s Divisive Impact
De Niro became visibly choked up during the discussion about American unity. His voice cracked with emotion as he explained the importance of lifting people up rather than dividing them. “You have to bring them together, period,” the legendary actor said with intensity.
The Taxi Driver star emphasized that division leads to failure: “You can’t divide people, you can’t win that way.” His raw emotional display reflected deep concern about the state of American democracy under Trump’s leadership.
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De Niro Calls Trump ‘Enemy of This Country’
De Niro did not mince words in condemning the president’s leadership. He described Trump as “the enemy of this country” and emphasized the urgent need for unified resistance. The actor cited Trump’s pattern of divisive behavior and past feuds with celebrities as evidence the president is unqualified to lead.
“It’s almost like a destiny to have this thing there destroying, attempting to destroy this country,” De Niro stated gravely. “So it’s up to us to protect the country,” he added, placing responsibility directly on American citizens.
Resistance Strategy Outlined in Emotional Appeal
| Resistance Element | De Niro’s Call to Action |
| Core Message | “Resist, resist, resist” repeatedly |
| Difficulty Level | “There’s no easy way” |
| Metaphor Used | “Jump and run through the fire” |
| Personal Survival Reference | “If you don’t run through the fire, you’re not getting out” |
“All I know is people have to have to resist, resist, resist. There’s no easy way. You know, there’s a time when you know in your own life and your own survival, you better do this. You better jump and run through the fire because if you don’t run through the fire, you’re not getting out, and that’s what we have to do.”
— Robert De Niro, Actor, speaking to MS NOW
Long History of Trump Criticism Deepens
De Niro has been a vocal critic of Trump for years, but Monday’s emotional appeal represented a significant escalation in urgency. The actor previously explained his stance, declaring that bullies must be confronted before they escalate demands.
“The man is a bully, and you can’t let bullies win,” De Niro has stated in past interviews. His activism extends to supporting anti-Trump protests, including the No Kings movement that emerged last year. The actor consistently refuses to remain silent on what he views as unprecedented threats to American democracy.
Are Americans Ready to Resist Trump’s Second Term?
De Niro’s passionate plea raises a critical question about American resolve going forward. When Nicolle Wallace asked directly if he believed the country was heading the “wrong way,” the actor admitted uncertainty but doubled down on the necessity of resistance. “All I know is people have to resist,” he said simply.
The actor’s tears suggest genuine fear about Trump’s divisive presidency and its long-term impact on national unity. His call for Americans to “run through the fire” frames political engagement not as a choice but as essential survival. Millions of viewers will now consider whether they share De Niro’s urgency in confronting what he views as existential threats to the American democracy.
Sources
- HuffPost: Coverage of Robert De Niro’s emotional MS NOW interview with Nicolle Wallace on Feb 23, 2026
- Washington Examiner: Entertainment coverage of De Niro’s anti-Trump remarks and resistance messaging
- MS NOW/MSNBC: Original interview with anchor Nicolle Wallace featuring full video discussion
