Trump Attacks De Niro, Mentions Hollywood Tax Credits at Florida Rally
The former president called the actor a 'moron' and claimed Hollywood executives are seeking financial incentives.
President Trump revived his public dispute with actor Robert De Niro on Friday, referring to the actor as a "moron" with "something wrong with him" during a campaign rally in Daytona Beach, Florida. The remarks came as Trump also discussed potential tax credits for the Hollywood film industry.
Trump, speaking at a rally for Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, contrasted his former reality television show "The Apprentice" with the Academy Awards. He criticized the awards ceremony for what he described as celebrities using "foul language about your favorite president."
"By the way, is Robert De Niro a moron? He’s a moron," Trump stated. "No, there’s something wrong with him. I used to sort of like him or something, but now I can’t even watch him. He’s like gross. Then he goes into the comedies. He’s no good for comedies. Maybe somebody should tell him, but he’s terrible."
De Niro, a vocal critic of Trump, previously used expletive-laden language to condemn the former president at the 2018 Tony Awards. While the specific trigger for Trump's renewed comments was not immediately clear, De Niro has been involved in fundraising for Democrats leading up to the midterm elections. De Niro has also reportedly solicited donations by criticizing the "Trump/Epstein class," linking the former president to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump also asserted that Hollywood executives were seeking his favor to secure new federal tax credits for the film industry. "Guys that have been saying bad crap about me for years are sitting in my office. ‘Sir, it’s a great honor to be with you, sir,’" Trump told the rally attendees. He further elaborated on how the internet allows for scrutiny of public figures' past statements, recounting an anecdote about a Hollywood representative allegedly backtracking on prior criticisms to gain favor.
De Niro, an acclaimed actor, has won two Academy Awards for his performances in "The Godfather Part II" and "Raging Bull." He has also taken on prominent comedic roles, including his part in the 2000 film "Meet the Parents."