Early Wednesday, former President Donald Trump criticized actor Robert De Niro on his Truth Social platform. This followed De Niro’s appearance at a Biden campaign event near the Manhattan courthouse, where Trump’s hush money trial is ongoing.
Trump’s comments attacked De Niro’s physical and mental attributes and accused him of having a fabricated condition that Trump and his supporters refer to as “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS). Trump claimed that De Niro faced a stronger force in the form of his supporters, known as MAGA, than any opposition from the left.
The Biden campaign had organized an impromptu press conference in Manhattan, featuring De Niro and Police officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, who were hurt during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. They spoke about the risks of a second Trump presidency.
During the event, around 20 Trump supporters gathered nearby, holding flags, wearing MAGA gear, and shouting anti-Biden slogans. A large flag with the message “Trump or Death” was also displayed prominently.
After the press conference, some demonstrators followed De Niro, shouting and heckling him. The event area was heavily patrolled by police to manage the situation.
The group of Trump supporters also chanted support for Trump and criticized Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush money case, reflecting sentiments Trump has expressed.
The Manhattan trial, which began recently, presented its closing arguments on Tuesday. Trump is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election, an affair Trump denies. The case is now in the hands of the jury for deliberation.
De Niro, who had recently filmed an advertisement for Biden’s campaign, spoke out against Trump at the courthouse. He warned about the potential consequences of a Trump return to the presidency, suggesting it would threaten democratic freedoms and election integrity.
During his speech, protesters heckled De Niro with various insults, including criticisms of his recent film career. Trump later suggested that De Niro’s professional work has suffered since he became politically active for Biden.