Robert De Niro Speaks Out Against Trump Amidst 'Zero Day' Promotions

De Niro's Outspoken Views on Trump

Robert De Niro, known for his candid remarks off the screen, has once again taken the spotlight to express his disdain for former President Donald Trump. While promoting his upcoming Netflix series, *Zero Day*, De Niro ramped up his criticism, describing Trump in no uncertain terms as someone detrimental to the country's future. He called Trump 'a jerk' and 'an idiot,' making it clear that he sees the former president as a divisive figure intent on dismantling the nation's core values.

De Niro's remarks come during a time when political engagement is crucial. With the 2024 election approaching, he emphasized the need for voters to reject Trump's potential return to political power decisively. De Niro stated, 'Those Republicans—they’re not real Republicans—and beat Trump. It’s that simple. We cannot have that type of person. Everybody has to get out there and vote.'

A Star's Role and Real-World Parallels

Stepping into the shoes of a former U.S. president in *Zero Day*, De Niro finds himself in a fictional scenario that echoes real-world anxiety—navigating a cyberattack's aftermath. This role perhaps gives De Niro a unique perspective on leadership, as he contrasts the structured, thoughtful approach needed for governance with what he sees as Trump's erratic style. Humorously, De Niro speculated Trump’s lack of ability to manage large projects, imagining, 'He cannot do anything that has a structure,' which drew light-hearted comparison to a potential film directorial role.

Director Spike Lee joined De Niro in stressing the political urgency, focusing on voter registration and participation as pivotal elements for the upcoming election. Francis Ford Coppola, whose work often explores themes of power and control, noted parallels between Trump’s rise and the authoritarian narratives in his film *Megalopolis*. These creative figures, each influential in their field, are coalescing around the message of active civic engagement.

*Zero Day*, set to premiere on February 20, 2025, weaves suspense and political intrigue, with its storyline resonating with today's political landscape. As the entertainment world mirrors societal concerns, figures like De Niro and his colleagues are using their platforms to inspire reflection and action. Whether highlighting the responsibilities of leadership through art or urging real-world voter action, their messages strike a chord with audiences facing the complexities of modern democracy.