In a recent interview on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” the former Fox News anchor took aim at acclaimed actor Robert De Niro’s outspoken political activism, particularly his criticism of former President Donald Trump. Kelly, known for her no-nonsense approach, argued that De Niro’s partisan rhetoric and “Trump derangement syndrome” have severely damaged his credibility and effectiveness as a political voice.
Robert De Niro has long been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, dating back to the 2016 presidential election. During an exclusive interview with Kelly’s show, the actor openly criticized Trump for the first time during his campaign against Hillary Clinton. “We had Robert De Niro on camera in an exclusive rant about the ex president,” Kelly recalled. “It was the first time he’d really come out and said how he felt about politics. And we broke that on my show, when he ran against Hillary.”
However, Kelly questioned the effectiveness of De Niro’s political involvement, pointing out that the actor’s activism did not prevent Trump’s victory in 2016. “So if he couldn’t make any change in 2016 why does he think he can do it now?” she asked.
Kelly’s criticism of De Niro’s political activism intensified after the actor held a press conference expressing his love for New York City and his fears about Trump’s potential to cause widespread destruction. “I love this city,” De Niro said. “I don’t want to destroy it. But they will destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually he could destroy the world.”
In response, Kelly did not hold back her criticism. “It’s so stupid it was colossally stupid,” she said. “If you’re going to send somebody to go speak there, make it someone who is universally beloved. Robert De Niro has gone so hard partisan for the past eight years he is like the number one example of Trump derangement syndrome.”
Kelly’s remarks highlight her view that De Niro’s strong partisan stance over the years has made him an ineffective choice for such a politically charged event. She argued that his divisive rhetoric and “Trump derangement syndrome” have severely damaged his credibility and ability to influence political discourse.
This incident raises broader questions about the role and effectiveness of celebrity activism in shaping political outcomes. While celebrities can leverage their platforms to raise awareness and sway public opinion, Kelly’s criticism suggests that their impact may be limited, especially when their messaging is perceived as overly partisan or extreme.
Megyn Kelly’s scathing critique of Robert De Niro’s political activism highlights the challenges faced by high-profile celebrities who venture into the realm of partisan politics. As the former Fox News anchor pointed out, De Niro’s long-standing opposition to Donald Trump and his “Trump derangement syndrome” have undermined his credibility and effectiveness as a political voice. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for celebrities who seek to wield their influence in the political arena, underscoring the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to civic engagement.
