Robert De Niro and former Capitol Police officers condemned Donald Trump outside his New York trial, warning of the dangers of a second Trump presidency and urging Americans to recognize the threat to democracy.

In a dramatic show of political resistance, actor Robert De Niro and two former Capitol Police officers made impassioned speeches outside Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York City on Tuesday. The trio condemned the former president, highlighting the existential threat they believe he poses to American democracy if re-elected in November.

De Niro’s Fiery Remarks

De Niro, a long-time critic of Trump, did not hold back in his assessment of the former president. At a press conference organized by Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, De Niro declared, “I love this city. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only this city but the country, and eventually he could destroy the world.”

The Oscar-winning actor accused Americans of falling for Trump’s deceit in 2016, citing his “outrageous lies and empty promises” as tools Trump used to secure votes. De Niro emphasized Trump’s dangerous rhetoric, recalling how the former president once called for terminating the Constitution and incited an insurrection on January 6, 2021.

De Niro’s involvement in Biden’s campaign extends beyond the press conference. He narrated a new Biden-Harris ad that focuses on Trump’s use of violence, aiming to remind voters of the violence incited by Trump and his willingness to use it against those who oppose him.

Capitol Police Officers Speak Out

Standing alongside De Niro were former Capitol Police officers Harry Dunn and Michael Fanone, who were at the forefront of defending the Capitol during the January 6 insurrection. Their presence underscored the gravity of the threat they believe Trump represents.

Fanone recounted his harrowing experience of being assaulted by Trump supporters during the riot. He described being beaten and having his life threatened as the mob chanted, “kill him with his own gun.” Fanone’s emotional testimony highlighted the widespread violence against police officers that day, fueled by Trump’s false claims.

Dunn echoed these sentiments, warning that Trump is “the greatest threat to our democracy.” He urged Americans to wake up and recognize the severity of the situation, emphasizing that this is “not a drill.”

Robert De Niro and former Capitol Police officers denounce Donald Trump outside his trial, warning of the dangers he poses if re-elected.

Political Tensions High

The press conference, held outside the Manhattan courthouse where Trump’s hush money trial is taking place, was a strategic move by the Biden campaign. Michael Tyler, Biden’s communication director, noted the massive media presence and the opportunity to highlight the stakes of the upcoming election.

As De Niro and the officers spoke, a group of at least 20 Trump supporters gathered nearby, waving flags and chanting pro-Trump slogans. Their presence and vocal opposition underscored the deep divisions within the country.

Trump’s Campaign Responds

In response, Trump’s campaign quickly organized a rebuttal at the same location. Trump aides Jason Miller, Karoline Leavitt, and Steven Cheung criticized the trial as politically motivated and dismissed the Biden campaign’s press conference as a sign of desperation.

“The Biden folks have finally done it. After months of saying that politics had nothing to do with this trial, they showed up and made a campaign event out of a lower Manhattan trial date for President Trump,” Miller said. He dismissed De Niro as a “washed up actor” and reiterated that Trump had done nothing wrong.

The Battle for America’s Future

As the political drama unfolds, the stakes for the 2024 presidential election become increasingly clear. De Niro’s stark warnings and the testimonies of Dunn and Fanone serve as a powerful reminder of the turbulence of the past and the potential dangers ahead. With the first presidential debate set for June 27, the battle lines are drawn, and the fight for America’s future intensifies.