September 17, 2026 | 18:47
READING: 2 minutes
Robert De Niro became emotional when thinking about the United States under Donald Trump. The Hollywood star was moved to tears on the Good Hang podcast hosted by Amy Poehler after the comedian and actress thanked him for his public engagement on political issues and for his criticisms of the U.S. president.
De Niro, 83, known for his critical stance toward Trump, appeared on the podcast alongside Poehler, 55. Near the end of their conversation, Poehler emphasized the importance of the actor continuing to speak publicly about issues he considers important, especially given his age, fame, and influence. “It gives everyone a sense of reassurance. I have seen you do it time and time again and I really appreciate it,” Poehler told him. A visibly moved De Niro replied simply, “Thank you.”
Poehler went on to note that his public positions matter to many people who do not have the same platform, citing, among others, women and people from diverse backgrounds. “Thank you, Bob. And thank you for continuing to do it,” she said. De Niro then struggled to hold back tears. Poehler eased the moment with a joke: “I can’t believe I made you cry,” she said, adding playfully that she felt “incredibly good.” She handed him tissues to wipe his eyes. After regaining his composure, De Niro returned to discussing the political situation in the United States. “It’s really disturbing to see what is happening in this country right now, and it’s simply crazy,” he said, referring to the Trump administration. The actor said he understood the despair many people feel but added, “You have to fight, because if you don’t fight you get nothing.”
For years Robert De Niro has been one of Hollywood’s most outspoken critics of Donald Trump. In 2025, at the Cannes Film Festival, he called the American president “ignorant” and urged the audience to defend democracy. “In my country we are fighting with all our might for a democracy we once took for granted,” he said on that occasion. According to De Niro, art embraces diversity and therefore poses a threat to “autocrats and fascists.” A two-time Oscar winner, De Niro is also widely known for roles in films such as The Godfather.