In a dramatic turn of events outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place, actor Robert De Niro delivered a powerful speech warning about the dangers of re-electing Trump. The press conference, organized by President Joe Biden’s campaign, also featured two officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot.
Standing near the site where the Twin Towers once stood, De Niro passionately expressed his love for New York City and his fears about Trump’s potential re-election. “The Twin Towers fell just over here, just over there. This part of the city was like a ghost town, but we vowed we would not allow terrorists to change our way of life. … I love this city. I don’t want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually he can destroy the world,” De Niro declared.
De Niro’s speech was punctuated by interruptions and heckles from nearby pro-Trump protesters, who shouted insults such as “wannabe,” “paid sell-out,” “nobody,” and “little punk.” The actor, undeterred, shot back, “You’re not going to intimidate. That’s what Trump does. … We are going to fight back. We’re trying to be gentlemen in this world, the Democrats. You are gangsters. You are gangsters!”
The press conference also included emotional testimonies from Henry Dunn and Michael Fanone, two officers who defended the Capitol on January 6. They spoke about the violence and chaos of that day, emphasizing the threat posed by a potential second Trump presidency. “I came here today to remind Americans of what Donald Trump is capable of and the violence that he unleashed on all Americans on Jan. 6, 2021,” said Fanone.
The Biden campaign’s decision to hold the press conference outside the courthouse was a strategic move to capitalize on the media presence surrounding the trial. Michael Tyler, Biden’s communication director, explained, “It’s easy to talk about the choice in this election when the entire news media is here day in and day out.”
In response, the Trump campaign quickly organized their own press conference at the same location, criticizing the Biden campaign’s tactics and mocking De Niro. “The best that Biden can do is roll out a washed-up actor,” said Trump campaign senior adviser Jason Miller. Karoline Leavitt, another Trump campaign spokesperson, labeled the event as an act of “desperation” from the Biden campaign.
Despite the chaos and confrontations, De Niro remained resolute in his message. “If Trump returns to the White House, you can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted. And elections — forget about it. That’s over; that’s done. If he gets in, I can tell you right now, he will never leave,” he warned.
The clash between De Niro and the pro-Trump protesters underscored the deep divisions within the country as the 2024 presidential race heats up. The event also highlighted the Biden campaign’s efforts to refocus public attention on the implications of Trump’s legal battles and his role in the January 6 insurrection.