Feb 21, 2026

Robert De Niro’s 2016 Trump Criticism Resurfaces, Sparks Online Debate

11 November, 2025, 9:31 am

A 2016 video of actor Robert De Niro criticizing former President Donald Trump has gone viral again on social media, quickly surpassing 700,000 views. The clip, originally created for a campaign project but deemed too partisan at the time, has reignited political debates across online platforms.

In the video, De Niro delivers sharp criticism of Trump, calling him a “punk,” a “dog,” a “pig,” and a “con” as well as a “bullshit artist.” The footage’s resurgence underscores continuing cultural and political divisions in the United States.

Trump supporters responded by highlighting De Niro’s recent career setbacks, including financial losses from a recent film and a past multi-million dollar tax lien, suggesting a decline in the actor’s influence. Meanwhile, De Niro’s supporters view him as a conscientious voice in Hollywood, noting his public statements labeling Trump a “would-be king” and expressing concern over the direction of American democracy.

The video’s renewed attention demonstrates how past political commentary can quickly resurface and fuel contemporary online discussions.