De Niro tears into Trump at Times Square as tens of thousands join 'No Kings' march

NEW YORK CITY: Legendary actor Robert De Niro joined tens of thousands of protesters in Midtown Manhattan on Saturday, March 28, for the third 'No Kings' national day of action, delivering a scathing indictment of the Trump administration.

Speaking before a sea of demonstrators, De Niro characterized the movement’s namesake as a direct rejection of the president’s perceived absolute rule, asserting that while the crowds chanted "No kings," the underlying message is a definitive "No Trump."

Speaking from a stage set up near Times Square, De Niro addressed the crowd and referenced the movement’s central slogan, saying it reflected opposition to concentrated executive power.

His remarks were delivered to a large audience of protesters carrying signs related to governance, foreign policy, and domestic issues.

Organizers of the event said the demonstrations were part of a coordinated effort to mobilize public engagement around policy decisions, including the ongoing military conflict involving Iran and domestic enforcement measures.

Robert De Niro criticizes US military operations during rally speech

During his speech, De Niro addressed US military operations linked to 'Operation Epic Fury', raising concerns about the impact of the conflict.

He stated that resources were being directed toward military engagement while American service members continued to be deployed overseas.

Protesters at the rally echoed similar concerns, with signs referencing military spending, troop safety, and civilian impact. The New York demonstration reflected a broader trend across multiple cities, where anti-war messaging has become a prominent theme.

The conflict, which escalated in late February, has drawn continued attention both domestically and internationally, with ongoing debate over its scope and objectives.

Inflation and energy costs drive public discontent

De Niro also spoke about economic conditions, pointing to rising costs of essential goods such as food, housing, and energy. He referenced inflation levels in his remarks, linking economic pressures to broader policy decisions.

Participants at the rally carried placards highlighting cost-of-living concerns, with some referencing fuel prices and supply chain disruptions tied to global events. Economic issues have featured prominently in demonstrations nationwide, particularly as energy markets remain volatile.

Officials have acknowledged inflationary pressures in recent months, though policy responses continue to be debated in Washington.

Federal enforcement incidents fuel accountability demands

The actor also referenced recent incidents involving federal law enforcement operations, including cases that have drawn national attention. He cited reports of fatalities linked to enforcement actions, which have become a focal point for protest groups.

Organizers said concerns about law enforcement practices and accountability were central to the demonstration’s messaging. Several speakers highlighted incidents in Minnesota that had been widely reported and remained under review.

Authorities have not released final findings in those cases, and investigations are ongoing.