Robert De Niro Gets Emotional Over Trump During Amy Poehler Podcast

After being thanked for his political activism, the actor spoke about the situation in the United States and urged people not to give up

Robert De Niro became visibly emotional while discussing the political climate in the United States during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, breaking into tears after the comedian thanked him for continuing to speak publicly on issues he considers important.

The moment came near the end of the conversation, when Poehler praised De Niro for using his public profile to address political and social issues despite his age, fame and influence. She told the actor that his willingness to speak out could offer a sense of security to people who do not have the same ability to make themselves heard.

De Niro, 83, responded briefly with a “Thank you” as he became increasingly moved. Poehler continued, saying that his public stance mattered to people with less power, including women and people from different backgrounds. She thanked him again for continuing to use his voice.

At that point, De Niro could no longer hold back his tears.

Poehler immediately broke the tension with a joke, telling him she could not believe she had made him cry and saying she felt “incredibly” good about it. She then handed him tissues as he wiped his eyes.

The exchange soon returned to politics. De Niro spoke about his concerns over the situation in the United States under President Donald Trump, describing what is happening in the country as deeply troubling and “simply crazy.” He also acknowledged the sense of despair felt by many people, but argued that giving in to that feeling was not an option.

“You have to fight,” De Niro said, stressing that without continued engagement, “you’re not going to get anything.”

The appearance came as part of a long-running pattern of public criticism of Trump by the actor. De Niro has for years used interviews and public appearances to express his opposition to the president and his political positions. His latest comments were made in the closing portion of the Good Hang episode released on September 15.

De Niro also addressed the political climate during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where he criticized Trump and called on the public to defend democracy. On that occasion, he argued that the United States could no longer take democratic institutions for granted and linked the role of art and cultural diversity to resistance against authoritarianism.

The actor, who has won two Academy Awards, has long combined a celebrated film career with outspoken public positions on political and social issues. His film credits include The Godfather series, among the works that helped establish him as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors.

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