The Best People with Nicolle Wallace

Best of the Best: Yes, Robert De Niro is Talking to You

Apr 6, 2026
Robert De Niro, Academy Award–winning actor and film legend, talks civic engagement and political resistance. He urges mass mobilization, criticizes leaders who enable authoritarianism, and stresses protecting election integrity. He also confronts misinformation, the optics of capitulation by powerful figures, and the need for courage and accountability in defense of democracy.
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ADVICE

Get Out And Participate Publicly

  • Do speak out and participate publicly to oppose leaders you believe threaten democracy.
  • Robert De Niro urges people to mobilize, saying “Everybody has to get out there every way possible” to protect the country at this moment.
INSIGHT

Enablers Create Authoritarian Risk

  • Authoritarianism can arise when surrounding actors enable a leader’s worst instincts.
  • De Niro calls the regime a kakistocracy and blames enablers like tribalist politicians for letting it happen.
ANECDOTE

Confronting Hecklers At A Pennsylvania College

  • Robert De Niro confronted MAGA-supporting students who heckled him at a Pennsylvania college.
  • He describes bringing the young men over, finding them respectful yet convinced 2020 was stolen, and telling them bluntly they were wrong.
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