De Niro gets emotional on Trump's division and removing him from office when he "won't leave;" what it means to stand up

Feb 23, 2026 The Best People with Nicolle Wallace
In a rare, candid, and emotional conversation with MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace, legendary actor Robert De Niro steps out of character and speaks plainly—as a citizen deeply concerned about the future of the country he loves.

De Niro reflects on courage, intimidation, and what it means to stand up when it matters most. Drawing on a lifetime of playing “tough guys,” he makes clear: this moment isn’t about toughness—it’s about responsibility.

From his blunt assessment of Donald Trump to his warning about complacency, De Niro doesn’t mince words. He talks about fear, silence, and why intimidation only works if people allow it.

Despite the rough and tumble characters he often portrays, he tells Nicolle, “I’m not a tough guy. I’m a concerned citizen.” He brings that inextricably human sensibility to this episode of "The Best People", having been a consistent and passionate voice in the fight against President Trump’s worst instincts. De Niro and Nicolle drill down on the optics of business leaders turning a blind eye to the administration’s behaviors, the need for mass mobilization to protect midterm election integrity, and the importance of kindness in an era defined by division. And the Hollywood titan has some sage advice for those who oppose Trump: “Everybody has to get out there every way possible... This is it. This is our country.”