Robert De Niro Calls Trump A ‘Global’ Problem At Cannes Film Festival

Robert De Niro called President Donald Trump more than just an “American problem” at the opening ceremony of this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Variety reported that the outspoken Trump critic denounced his nation’s leader as a “philistine president” and threat to the arts while accepting an honorary Palme d’Or on Tuesday.

“In my country, we’re fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted. And that affects all of us here because the arts are democratic,” De Niro said. “Art is inclusive. It brings people together, like tonight. Art looks for truth, art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat, that’s why we are a threat, to autocrats and fascists.”

“America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” he said, referring to Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center. “He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities and education.”

During his speech, the Oscar-winning actor also addressed Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on all films produced outside of the U.S., telling his audience, “Let that sink in for a minute.”

“You can’t put a price on creativity, but apparently you can put a tariff on it,” he scoffed.

“Of course, this is unacceptable,” De Niro continued. “All these attacks are unacceptable, and this isn’t just an American problem. It’s a global one.”

Issuing a call to action, he said, “And like a film, we can’t just all sit back and watch. We have to act now. Without violence, but with great passion and determination.”

“It’s time for everyone who cares about liberty to organize, to protest, and when there are elections, of course, to vote,” he continued. “Tonight, and for the next 11 days, we show our strength and commitment by celebrating art in this glorious festival.”

De Niro has never been shy about taking on Trump, previously calling him “a jerk,” a “clown,” a “monster” and a “tyrant,” among other things.

But during an appearance on MSNBC last May, the star said, “I’m tired of calling him names. He just can’t be anywhere near the office of the presidency.”

De Niro’s political statements have gotten him into some hot water, however. Last spring, the National Association of Broadcasters’ Leadership Foundation decided not to go through with giving the actor its “Service to America Award” after he made a fiery speech outside of Trump’s New York hush money trial.

“De Niro’s recent high-profile activities will create a distraction from the philanthropic work that we were hoping to recognize,” the organization said in a statement.