Fact Check: Did Robert De Niro call Trump a 'national disaster' and an 'embarrassment' to the US?

WASHINGTON, DC: What’s really happening between Robert De Niro and President Donald Trump? A viral claim that the 'Taxi Driver' actor launched a long string of insults against the Republican leader, allegedly calling him “stupid” and using other harsh labels, has been circulating across social media. Let’s fact-check the claim to know what’s actually true.

Claim: Robert De Niro slammed Trump as a 'national disaster'

An X (formerly Twitter) post claims that Robert De Niro made a long string of insults against Donald Trump, allegedly calling him “stupid,” “a con,” “an idiot,” and a “national disaster,” and it includes a close-up photo of De Niro.

The post by X user @Geniustechw states: “He’s so blatantly stupid. He’s a punk. He’s a dog. He’s a pig. He’s a con. A bull***t artist. A mutt who doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Doesn’t do his homework. Doesn’t care. Doesn’t pay his taxes. He’s an idiot. He’s a national disaster. He’s an embarrassment to this country.” The user also invited reactions by adding, “Thoughts?”

The post has gained significant attention on X, prompting users to react and comment on the alleged remarks directed at Trump.

One user wrote, “Niro is projecting his own personality onto Trump. A classic trait of a Narcissist.” Another commented, “Why don’t you show the same level of outrage when the Iranian regime shoots its own citizens for protesting, or when Islamist extremists openly call for the elimination of non-believers? It is hard to reconcile your stance on this issue with your silence in those cases.”

Fact Check: Post with claim about Robert De Niro’s alleged criticism of Trump is misleading

The quote attributed to Robert De Niro about Donald Trump is partly based on real remarks but is misleadingly presented as a single continuous statement.

Over the years, Niro has repeatedly criticized Trump in public interviews, speeches, and appearances, often using strong and provocative language. However, the viral post does not originate from any verified speech or interview in which he delivered all of these comments together.

The widely shared paragraph is a compilation of different statements De Niro has made at various times. He has, in separate instances, referred to Trump as “an idiot,” “a national disaster,” and used similar critical language during award shows, interviews, and political events.

There is no verified transcript or official recording in which De Niro made the entire set of quoted remarks in one continuous statement, as suggested in the viral post.

De Niro has long been a vocal critic of Trump, particularly since he entered politics. He has consistently expressed opposition through interviews, public speeches, and events, frequently describing Trump in harsh terms and urging political opposition to his leadership and policies.

The actor's criticism has remained consistent throughout Trump’s presidency and election campaigns, often focusing on concerns about his impact on democracy and governance.