Robert De Niro has never been afraid to speak his mind — but at Cannes 2025, he may have delivered one of his boldest speeches yet.
At 87 years old, the Oscar-winning icon took the stage to receive the honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement — a moment meant to celebrate decades of brilliance. But instead, De Niro turned it into a passionate political statement that’s now dividing the internet.
🎤 De Niro’s “Call to Arms” at Cannes
Standing before the elite of global cinema, De Niro didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts on the political climate in the U.S., especially under former President Donald Trump.
“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” he began, as the room fell silent.
De Niro then slammed Trump’s recent actions, particularly his appointment as chair of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, calling him a “philistine president.”
“He’s cut funding to the arts, to education. Now he’s placing a 100% tariff on foreign films. Let that sink in.”
His words echoed far beyond the room — tapping into a growing debate over freedom of expression, artistic funding, and global cultural cooperation. His tone? Calm, deliberate, and fiery.
Tiffany Chen, Robert De Niro, and Helen Grace De Niro at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 13, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
🇺🇸 “Not Just an American Problem” — De Niro Warns the World
De Niro, famous for classics like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and The Irishman, has long been a vocal Trump critic. But this time, he made it clear: the stakes are global.
“This isn’t just an American problem. It’s a global issue. We can’t just sit back and watch like it’s a film. We must act — not violently, but with passion and urgency.”
He urged the public to organize, protest, and vote — a call that resonated deeply with those fearing a rise in authoritarian politics and a decline in support for education, the arts, and critical thinking classes around the world.
🎬 Red Carpet with a Side of Controversy
De Niro arrived on the red carpet with his 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, and his young daughter, Helen Grace. But it wasn’t the family photo-op that went viral — it was his words.
As Leonardo DiCaprio presented the award — a full-circle moment since De Niro served as Cannes Jury President in 2011 — the ceremony turned from celebration to confrontation.
🌐 Internet Reacts: “Hero” or “Out of Touch”?
On social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, reactions were sharply divided.
“A brave man. A voice we need more than ever.”
“This is a wake-up call for anyone who cares about education, liberty, or the future of the arts.”
“He’s lost the plot. Completely delusional.”
One user wrote,
“De Niro is what an actual American looks like — someone who still believes in democracy and liberty.”
Others mocked him:
“He should stick to acting. Not politics.” “This is rich coming from a millionaire actor at a luxury conference.”
🧠 A Message Beyond Politics — About What We Choose to Protect
De Niro’s words also highlight something deeper: the importance of protecting creative expression, academic freedom, and independent thought — areas often targeted during times of political turmoil.
In a world where arts funding is slashed, where education access depends on credit scores, and where people are still fighting for insurance coverage for mental health treatment and recovery, De Niro’s message hits a nerve.
His speech wasn’t just about Trump — it was about defending the soul of culture.
Tiffany Chen, Robert De Niro, and Helen Grace De Niro at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 13, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Lionel Hahn/Getty Images)
