Robert De Niro urged Americans to “keep fighting” after a weekend of nationwide “No Kings” rallies against President Donald Trump, saying continued pressure is needed heading into the midterms. In a televised appearance, the actor said Trump is “intimidating” voters and warned that the country “can’t let up,” echoing remarks he has made through the year.
His comments followed large demonstrations on Saturday in cities across the United States. Organizers reported turnout in the millions, while independent crowd estimates suggested participation in the high-single-digit millions, marking one of the largest single-day protest actions of the year. Authorities described the events as largely peaceful.
The actor’s call reflects the movement’s framing of Trump as a leader seeking unchecked power, a theme that featured prominently at the rallies and in De Niro’s appeals. He has argued that sustained, nonviolent action is necessary to protect democratic norms and ensure people feel safe casting ballots.
The White House and the president’s allies have dismissed the protests and celebrity activism as partisan theatrics. A senior communications official has repeatedly derided De Niro in statements this year, while conservative media highlighted counter-claims that the demonstrations are politically motivated and exaggerated in scale.
Beyond Saturday’s marches, De Niro has used high-profile platforms to criticize Trump, including film-festival stages and campaign-adjacent events, casting the current political moment as a test of civic resolve. Advocates behind the “No Kings” effort say their goal is to keep attention on voting rights, immigration enforcement, and executive power in the final stretch before Election Day.
De Niro’s remarks land amid a volatile political environment shaped by a partial government shutdown, aggressive immigration actions in major cities, and sharpened rhetoric from both sides. Protest leaders say more events are planned; opponents contend the activism will energize Trump’s base. With early voting underway in several states, both narratives are now aimed squarely at turnout.
