Legendary actor Robert De Niro used his platform at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday to launch a blistering critique of U.S. President Donald Trump, calling him a “philistine president” and accusing him of undermining democracy and the arts.

Speaking Truth to Power

De Niro, 81, was honored with the Palme d’Or lifetime achievement award at the prestigious event in the south of France. But rather than focus solely on his celebrated career, the actor seized the moment to deliver a politically charged speech in defense of democratic values and artistic freedom.

“In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,” he said, speaking to a packed audience of global film elites.

He praised the arts for their inclusivity and truth-seeking nature, positioning them as a counterforce to authoritarianism.

“Art looks for truth. Art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat… That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists.”

A Direct Attack on Trump’s Policies

De Niro accused Trump of politicizing and degrading American cultural institutions. He cited Trump’s self-appointment as head of the Kennedy Center, and efforts to cut federal funding for the arts, humanities, and education.

He also condemned Trump’s reported proposal to impose tariffs on foreign films:

“You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it. Of course, this is unacceptable. All of these attacks are unacceptable.”

A Call to Action

Framing the issue as global, not just American, De Niro urged the audience to take a stand beyond the movie screen.

“This isn’t just an American problem, it’s a global one. Unlike a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act, and we have to act now.”

He ended his speech with a passionate call for nonviolent resistance:

“It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest and when there are elections, of course, to vote. Vote.”

Continued Outspokenness

De Niro has long been one of Hollywood’s most vocal critics of Donald Trump. In 2024, he appeared in a campaign ad supporting then-candidate Joe Biden, and he’s previously labeled Trump a “clown” and a “threat to democracy.”

Closing his Cannes speech, De Niro rallied the artistic community with the iconic words of the French Republic:

“Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”