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Veteran American actor Robert De Niro has intensified his criticism of Donald Trump, calling for sustained public resistance against what he terms the former US President's 'bully' behaviour and alleged authoritarian ambitions.
Veteran American actor Robert De Niro has renewed his vocal opposition to Donald Trump, asserting that there is "no other way to face a bully" than to confront them directly. Speaking to MSNBC on Sunday, October 19, 2025, De Niro expressed strong support for the ongoing 'No Kings' protests across the United States, which have seen millions take to the streets.
De Niro emphasised the need for "much more" resistance, stating that politicians must become "more afraid of the wrath of the people" than of Trump's influence. He also voiced concerns about Trump's potential plans to seek a third term, a move he believes must be opposed. "We cannot let up on him because he is not going to leave the White House. He does not want to leave the White House. He will not leave the White House," De Niro stated, cautioning against self-delusion regarding Trump's intentions.
The 'No Kings' protests, supported by De Niro, draw parallels to the American Revolution. In a previous video, De Niro highlighted that the "original No Kings protest was 250 years ago," when Americans rejected the rule of King George III and fought for democracy. He argued that two and a half centuries of American democracy, though often challenging, have been essential and preserved through significant conflicts like two World Wars.
The movement's organisers, including the 50501 Movement (representing 50 states, 50 protests, one movement), aim to counter what they perceive as Trump's attempts to consolidate power and undermine democratic norms. The first 'No Kings' rallies in June 2025 attracted millions across approximately 2,000 sites.
The prospect of a third presidential term for Donald Trump faces significant constitutional hurdles. The Twenty-second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1951, explicitly limits a person to being elected president twice. This amendment was enacted after Franklin D. Roosevelt served an unprecedented four terms.
While Trump has repeatedly suggested the possibility of a third term, and some allies have explored methods to achieve this, constitutional scholars widely agree that there is no credible legal path for him to serve again after having already won a non-consecutive second term in the 2024 elections. Attempts to amend the Constitution or utilise loopholes, such as running as Vice President and then assuming the presidency, are generally considered unconstitutional and unlikely to succeed in court.
Kenyans have historically shown significant interest in US politics. A Pew Research Centre study in 2025 indicated that Kenyans were among the top admirers of the US, with 62% holding a favourable opinion, though this was a decline from 78% in 2024. In terms of confidence in President Trump, Kenya ranked third among 24 surveyed countries, with 64% expressing a positive view.
However, analyses suggest that Kenyan interpretations of US elections can sometimes be influenced by conservative US media outlets, potentially leading to a nuanced understanding of the American political spectrum. Some Kenyans, particularly within the middle class, tend to align with conservative political and economic outlooks, often prioritising issues like 'law and order' and meritocracy.
While De Niro's stance is clear, the long-term impact of celebrity endorsements on political movements remains a subject of debate. The extent to which the 'No Kings' protests can translate into sustained political pressure and influence future elections is also an ongoing question. The legal avenues for challenging presidential term limits, despite constitutional clarity, may continue to be explored by those seeking to circumvent them.
As the US political landscape continues to evolve, the engagement of international observers, including Kenyans, highlights the global implications of American democracy. The upcoming political cycles in the US will undoubtedly be closely watched for how these tensions resolve and whether calls for increased civic participation yield tangible results.
