Robert De Niro Slams Trump at Tribeca Opening
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- Robert De Niro delivered a speech at the Tribeca Festival opening, delivering a thinly veiled criticism of Donald Trump without naming him directly.
- Robert De Niro highlighted Tribeca’s founding after 9/11 to spotlight a devastated part of Manhattan and emphasized storytelling’s power to unite people.
- Robert De Niro condemned “monstrous leaders” for trying to force people apart for immoral, cruel, and corrupt purposes, implying Trump.
- Tribeca Festival marked its 25th year by premiering the documentary “Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That’s the Weight of the World)” directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.
- Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson introduced the film, describing it as a metaphysical story about nine individuals “tricked us into positivity” and said he stays vigilant against toxicity.
- Jane Rosenthal reflected on the festival’s legacy, expressing surprise that the event, originally intended to revive lower Manhattan post‑9/11, is still standing 25 years later.
Why it matters: The speech underscores Tribeca’s continued relevance as a venue for political commentary, giving De Niro a platform to shape public discourse while reaffirming the festival’s mission to unite a post‑9/11 audience. It also highlights the event’s 25‑year resilience, showing that cultural institutions can endure and adapt, which benefits artists, audiences, and sponsors seeking a stable yet dynamic platform.
