‘Is Robert De Niro a moron?’: Trump blasts Oscars and targets actor over anti-president remarks

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump took aim at actor Robert De Niro during a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, October 30, calling him a "moron" and claiming there was "something wrong with him." Trump made the remarks while criticizing Hollywood personalities who have publicly opposed him.

The president also complained about the Academy Awards, saying the ceremony had lost its appeal because people used foul language about him. His comments came as he discussed Hollywood's requests for federal tax credits, claiming that people who had criticized him in the past were now approaching his administration for help.

Trump calls Robert De Niro a moron during Florida rally

Trump brought up De Niro while speaking about Hollywood figures who have criticized his presidency. Taking a direct shot at the actor, he questioned his behavior before calling him a moron.

"The Academy Award sucks now because people get up and use foul language about your favorite president. By the way... Is Robert De Niro a moron? He's a moron. There's something wrong with him," Trump said.

The president did not stop at criticizing the Academy Awards. His remarks also reflected his frustration with celebrities who have spoken against him publicly.

De Niro was among the Hollywood personalities Trump singled out during his speech. The actor has been a prominent critic of the president, making him a recurring target in Trump's comments about celebrities who oppose his administration.

Trump claims Hollywood critics are seeking federal tax credits

Alongside his remarks about De Niro, Trump claimed that several Hollywood figures who had criticized him for years were now contacting the White House to seek federal tax credits for film and television production.

"Now they're all calling me, kissing my a*s. They want tax credits for Hollywood because Hollywood's dying and other countries are taking away [jobs]," Trump told the rally audience.

He also described meetings with entertainment industry representatives, claiming that some people who had previously spoken negatively about him were now treating him differently when meeting him at the White House.

"Guys that have been saying bad crap about me for years are sitting in my office, 'Sir, it's a great honor to be with you, sir,'" he said.

Trump added that he could look up what people had said about him online before meeting them. He suggested that their past comments were something he could check before deciding how to approach such meetings.

Trump considers federal tax credits for Hollywood productions

Trump also indicated that he was open to considering financial incentives for Hollywood, arguing that the American entertainment industry was losing film and television production to other countries.

"Now they want tax credits because their industry is dying in this country. And I'll probably do it," he said.

However, the president did not provide details about how a potential federal tax credit program would work. He did not specify which productions might qualify, how much financial support could be offered or when such a proposal could be introduced.

His comments came amid concerns about film and television productions moving outside the United States, with other countries offering incentives to attract studios and production companies.

Although Trump suggested he could support the industry's request, he did not announce a formal policy or provide a timeline for any possible initiative.