Robert De Niro is leaving open the possibility of leaving the United States if Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, wins the presidency. While speaking in Dubai, the 73-year-old Academy Award winner was asked whether he would remain in the U.S. if Trump takes office. His response: “That’s a good question — I don’t know.”
De Niro, who recently gained attention for a scathing video decrying Trump and expressing a desire to “punch him in the face,” did not hold back in his criticism during an interview with The National newspaper. The veteran actor expressed disbelief over Trump’s appeal, stating, “I don’t understand how people could be seduced into thinking this guy has an answer. He has no answer.”
Reiterating his disapproval, De Niro added, “This guy does not have a clue about what goes on in the rest of the world no matter what he says.” He also lamented the fact that Trump had managed to come so far in the political arena, calling it “disgraceful” and a situation that demanded attention.
The actor explained that his vocal criticism stemmed from frustration over Trump being “allowed to get away with it” for so long. “This is such an awful situation that I felt compelled to say something about it because people have been letting him get away with it for some reason, and now they are starting to react,” De Niro said.
De Niro’s comments are part of a larger trend among celebrities voicing their concerns over a potential Trump presidency. Stars such as Miley Cyrus, Samuel L. Jackson, and Cher have also publicly expressed that they might leave the country—or, in Cher’s case, the planet—if Trump wins.
Known for his fiery personality and outspoken views, De Niro has added to the ongoing cultural conversation about Trump’s candidacy. Whether or not he would follow through on leaving the country, his remarks highlight the strong emotions Trump’s political rise has evoked among many in Hollywood.