Robert De Niro Shows Up At Supreme Court Hearing

Actor Robert De Niro was among those present in Washington on Wednesday as the Supreme Court heard arguments over birthright citizenship, a case that has drawn national attention and sharp political reactions. He sat in the courtroom alongside President Donald Trump and several members of the administration, listening as justices questioned both sides during a lengthy session.

As he left the courthouse, De Niro briefly spoke with reporters but said he couldn’t offer a clear assessment of what he had just heard. From his seat, he explained, it was difficult to fully follow the back-and-forth.

“I could hear, but not always clearly,” he said, describing the experience as complicated. “So I can’t really say how it went.”

Still, De Niro did not hesitate to share his broader view of the policy at the center of the case. The Trump administration has argued that children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally or only temporarily should not automatically receive citizenship. De Niro dismissed that position in blunt terms, suggesting it reflects an effort to exclude certain groups.

“It’s a way to get rid of people they don’t want,” he said. “It’s that simple.”

The actor, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump for years, has drawn attention for his harsh language toward the president. His comments in the past have included a series of personal insults and sharp condemnations, which have fueled criticism from Trump supporters. When asked about claims that his views amount to what some call “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” De Niro rejected the label outright.

“People don’t like him for a reason,” he said. He argued that Trump had opportunities during his presidency to take a different approach but instead chose what he described as divisive and punitive actions. In De Niro’s view, public opinion reflects those choices.

Pressed on what specifically bothers him about Trump, De Niro gave a short answer: “Everything that we all know now.”

His appearance at the court followed a weekend rally in New York, where he spoke at a “No Kings” protest. There, he framed Trump as a unique threat compared to past presidents, arguing that the current moment carries higher stakes for democratic institutions.