Fact Check: Did Robert De Niro pose with anti-Trump shirt while flipping off camera?
WASHINGTON, DC: Robert De Niro, one of Hollywood’s most vocal and consistent critics of President Donald Trump, has once again made headlines over an alleged anti-Trump image.
In May 2026, an unverified image began circulating online, depicting him in a manner some described as immature in its anti-Trump display. Previously, De Niro publicly criticized Trump with strong language and participated in anti-Trump events in New York City in 2026.
We examine whether this recent viral anti-Trump image is authentic.
Claim: Robert De Niro made anti-Trump gesture in viral photo
Robert De Niro, 82, was reportedly photographed standing in front of Trump Tower in New York City while giving the middle finger to the camera.
In the image, he is wearing a blue T-shirt with the text: "OBAMA ARE YOU COMING HOPE SOON? THE BABYSITTER IS WEIRD." The image, which went viral around mid-May 2026, was widely mocked online, particularly by Trump supporters. The shirt appears to be a jab at Donald Trump, with De Niro expressing admiration for Barack Obama.
The image aligns with De Niro’s long history of outspoken anti-Trump activism. Over the years, he has publicly criticized Trump using terms such as “clown,” “gangster,” and “fool,” including during 2026 protests and media appearances.
The viral post, shared by @DrunkRepub, captioned the image: “One of the most accomplished actors in history behaving like a teenager who just discovered Rage Against the Machine. Pathetic."
Fact Check: Robert De Niro’s viral anti-Trump rage image appears to be fake
While a viral image depicts veteran actor Robert De Niro making an anti-Trump gesture in what some describe as immature rage, the image is unverified and appears to be fake or AI-generated.
No major news outlets have reported this specific incident, and De Niro himself has not commented on or shared the image. Many online users and discussions have explicitly called it fake, manipulated, or AI-generated. The image follows the pattern of highly shareable political memes that spread without verification.
Although the sentiment on De Niro’s shirt aligns with his known preference for Obama-era politics and his critical view of Trump, there is no credible evidence that this exact photo moment occurred. The image is a viral, unverified visual used for political mockery. It exaggerates De Niro’s real anti-Trump stance but lacks authentication.
Robert De Niro slams Trump over US leadership
🇺🇸 Robert De Niro breaks down crying about Trump:
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 23, 2026
“You have to lift people up. You can't divide people. This thing [Trump] is destroying the country.”
Peak Hollywood sobfest propaganda. https://t.co/VDoDdXbc75
During a recent appearance on 'The Best People With Nicole Wallace' podcast, De Niro slammed Donald Trump and expressed concerns about the country’s leadership.“
Trump is the enemy of this country, let’s not kid ourselves. It’s that simple. Everybody has to stick together to get them out and get back on track. We can all argue and fight about our little differences and all that. This is the big problem,” De Niro said.
He urged people not to let the current situation continue, emphasizing that resistance was necessary. “People are not going to go away, even if Trump dies for some reason by having an illness or something,” he added, arguing that elements of the political movement would persist.
De Niro also attended the ''State of the Swamp' event on Tuesday, February 24. The anti-Trump gathering coincided with Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington.
