rights
Robert De Niro says loving America isn't unconditional: "I can't love a country that's led by Trump"
By Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 17, 2026
· 2 min read
Legendary actor Robert De Niro did not mince words when he spoke of his feelings about Donald Trump at a Sunday event for democracy. Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment took place at The Town Hall in New York City to call on people to stand up against authoritarianism. Related JD Va
Key takeaway "Our country isn't so lovable right now," De Neniro said.
Why this matters
Robert De Niro's remarks highlight the deep-seated concerns many Americans, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, have about the state of the country under Trump's leadership. The event, which featured a diverse range of entertainers, including LGBTQ+ individuals, underscores the importance of collective action against authoritarianism. De Niro's comments also resonate with the community's experiences of marginalization and exclusion, as they face varying levels of legal protections and policies across different states. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations have long advocated for comprehensive protections and policies that promote equality and justice. De Niro's call to reclaim the country and his desire to love it again may strike a chord with many who feel disillusioned with the current state of affairs. As the LGBTQ+ community continues to navigate the complexities of national politics, it remains to be seen how De Niro's words will inspire action and mobilization.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Legendary actor Robert De Niro did not mince words when he spoke of his feelings about Donald Trump at a Sunday event for democracy. Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment took place at The Town Hall in New York City to call on people to stand up against authoritarianism. Related JD Va
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .