Few rivalries blur the line between Hollywood and politics quite like the one between Donald Trump and Robert De Niro. The President, known for his combative social media presence, and the two-time Oscar winner, long outspoken about his political views, have spent years trading public insults and sharp critiques.

What began as pointed political disagreements has evolved into a deeply personal war of words, played out across rallies, awards stages, interviews, and social platforms. Their latest clash once again highlights how celebrity activism and presidential politics continue to collide in dramatic fashion.

But what exactly triggered this latest war of words between the president and the Oscar-winning actor?

The feud escalated after Robert De Niro delivered an impassioned critique of  Donald Trump’s leadership during a recent podcast appearance on  The Best People with Nicolle Wallace. The actor was of the opinion that too much damage had been done to the country.

"It doesn't have to be perfect, but it does need to return to the values that gave us our strength and humanity," De Niro said at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 24. 

Not one to hold back and already having gone word for word with Robert De Niro before, the President did not hold back and swiftly responded.

"Robert De Niro, a very Low IQ individual, has received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies," the President wrote on Truth Social.

He even compared De Niro to Rosie O'Donnell, another longtime critic, and mocked what he described as the actor’s emotional breakdown.

This exchange is only the latest chapter in a rivalry that dates back to 2011. Over the years, Robert De Niro, who slammed Donald Trump during his Cannes Palme d’Or Speech, has criticized Trump at awards shows, public rallies, and international events, often using blunt, uncompromising language. Trump has repeatedly retaliated, claiming his talent has faded. The feud has evolved from political disagreement into a deeply personal back-and-forth, amplified by media coverage and social media reactions.

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As Hollywood’s divide over Trump grows louder, what exactly are other major stars saying about his presidency?

Criticism of Donald Trump has echoed across major award stages and public statements in recent years. At the 2026 Golden Globes, Mark Ruffalo had some harsh insults for Trump.

"Worst human being," Mark Ruffalo said about Trump while protesting immigration enforcement policies, according to The Economic Times.

At the same event, Wanda Sykes wore protest pins and said,

“It’s just awful what they’re doing to people,” in remarks carried by international outlets including Fox News.

Beyond individual speeches, a broader coalition of entertainers has issued collective statements of opposition. Whoopi Goldberg, Ethan Hawke, Spike Lee, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Barbra Streisand, and Jane Fonda signed public letters refusing to “stand by,” with Fonda describing the political climate as the “most frightening moment” of her life, according to CBS4Local.

Meanwhile, Trump has also found strong defenders in Hollywood: Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone have reportedly supported him publicly, with Stallone calling him an “extraordinary human being” at the 2025 Kennedy Awards, as noted by CBS4Local.

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What are your thoughts on the Robert De Niro and Donald Trump back and forth? Let us know in the comments.