AsNo Kings protestsswept the nation,Robert De Niroupped the ante on his criticism of PresidentDonald Trump.
Speaking with Rev. Al Sharpton, with whom he'd stepped out for a No Kings Day event in New York earlier in the day on March 28, the 82-year-old actorsaid on MS Nowthat the massive turnout gave him hope that the midterm electionswould not go in favor of the presidentand his Republican allies.
"Our democracy is at stake, period. And this fool is taking it with the fools around him. It's like a surreal dream; it's crazy," De Niro said. "We cannot let up until the midterms are resolved, and resolved for the right reasons. We cannot let up with this guy."
Accusing Trump of trying to "deflect" from theEpstein files, he added: "If I know anything, I know this guy will try anything because he's crazy. He's not well. He's a damaged person, period. You've got to stand up."
The Oscar-winning actor opened up about feeling "good now" after the third No Kings demonstration, saying, "I don't want to say the word 'hope' again that things will get even better and stronger, but it's the only way we're going to get out of this."
"My country's at stake. I'm not going to keep my mouth shut, and why should I?" he told Sharpton. "Why should I not say anything, especially when I know I'm right?"
Organizers estimated 8 million people showed up to the 3,300 events across the U.S. on Saturday, March 28, though the total has not yet been independently verified. The turnout tops the 7 million who attended demonstrations in October, and the 5 million who rallied at the inaugural protest on June 24. The loosely organized group, unified in its opposition to Trump, names a few issues inits platform, including immigration enforcement, healthcare access, environmental protections, gun control and war funding.
When reached for comment, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded: "The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them."
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen took the stage on March 28, 2026, to perform his protest song "Streets of Minneapolis" at the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul on Saturday. Springsteen performed during a "No Kings" protest — the third nationwide "No Kings" protest held against the Trump administration. Musicians Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers were also scheduled to perform at the protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Springsteen performs during a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Springsteen performs during a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (L) introduces Springsteen during a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Springsteen performs during a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Walz speaks during a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks outside the Minnesota State Capitol." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Demonstrators and their dog gather for a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Demonstrators gather for a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Demonstrators gather at a nearby park before marching to the "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Demonstrators gather for a "No Kings" protest." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> See Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers at St. Paul 'No Kings' rally
Rock legendBruce Springsteentook the stage on March 28, 2026, to perform his protest song "Streets of Minneapolis" at the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul on Saturday.Springsteenperformed during a"No Kings" protest— the third nationwide "No Kings" protest held against the Trump administration. Musicians Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers were also scheduled to perform at the protest.
De Niro was among a slew of celebrities who spoke out at protests – a lineup that includedJane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and "M*A*S*H" star Mike Farrell.
Advertisement
Speaking at a press conferencefor a No Kings event in New York City, De Niro said from the podium, "When the crowds are chanting 'no kings,' what I'm hearing, as we all know, is 'no Trump.'"
'Betrayed by my country':Robert De Niro condemns Trump amid State of the Union
"There have been other presidents who occasionally tested the limits of their constitutional power, but none have been such an existential threat to our freedoms and security," he continued. "None, except Trump. He must be stopped, and he must be stopped now."
Robert De Niro: The Oscar-winning actor's life in photos
Among moves that have been deemed by civil rights organizations as unconstitutional is President Trump's 2025executive orderthat aimed to restrictbirthright citizenship, a constitutional right originally established in 1868. The American Civil Liberties Union, among other groups, sued the Trump administration, arguing the move violated the14th Amendment.
De Niro also called for "no unnecessary wars that rob our resources, sacrifice our great servicemen and women and slaughter innocents" and vowed to "go from the streets to the ballot box."
The U.S.-Israel war with Iran, launched Feb. 28, is now in its fifth week. U.S. Central Command said in aposton X on March 28 that 3,500 troops and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli arrived in the Middle East region. The contingent includes sailors, Marines and strike fighter aircraft.
The number of American service members wounded in the Iran war hasgrown beyond 300, according to the Pentagon. The death toll remains at 13 service members killed.
The U.S. hasoffered a 15-point ceasefire planto Iran, with a proposal to reopen waterways and restrict Iran's nuclear program. But Tehran has rejected the list and put forwardproposals of its own.
Contributing: Susan Page and Kathryn Palmer, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Robert De Niro supports No Kings protests, blasts 'fool' Trump