Robert De Niro Speaks Out Against President Trump at Cannes Festival

The 81-year-old industry heavy-hitter referred to the President of the United States as a "philistine president" in his acceptance speech after receiving the Honorary Palme d'Or.

The 78th annual Cannes Festival began on Tuesday, May 13, at the Palais des Festivals in France, boasting a star-studded audience. Among the A-list invitees was Robert De Niro, who attended the prestigious event with his partner, Tiffany Chen.

The actor was also the recipient of the Cannes Honorary Palme d'Or for lifetime achievement. The award was presented by Leonardo DiCaprio, earning De Niro a standing ovation.

As soon as he took the stage, De Niro shifted the atmosphere with a more politically charged tone. "In my country, we are fighting like hell for a democracy we once took for granted, and that affects all of us," he began.

"That affects all of us here because the arts are democratic," he continued, adding that art is inclusive and brings people together. "Art looks for truth, art embraces diversity, and that's why art is a threat," he said.

"America's philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions. He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education. And now he has announced a 100% tariff on films produced outside of the U.S. Let that sink in for a minute," De Niro continued.

President Trump made the announcement just over a week ago, on May 5, on his Truth Social account, saying the American movie industry was "dying" and that filmmakers and studios within the U.S. were being "devastated."

"You can't put a price on creativity. But, apparently, you can put a tariff on it," De Niro remarked, calling the president's decision "unacceptable." He closed his speech with a call to action, "without violence, but with great passion and determination."

"It's time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest. And when there are elections, of course, to vote," he said.