In a recent outburst, U.S. President Donald Trump directed harsh criticism towards actor Robert De Niro, referring to him as 'sick and demented'. This response came after De Niro urged the American public to oppose Trump's governance during his acceptance speech for an honorary Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival last year, where he described the president as 'a philistine'. Trump's attacks reflect his ongoing contentious relationship with Hollywood figures, particularly those who publicly oppose him.

De Niro has consistently been a vocal critic of Trump, openly expressing his disapproval of the president's policies and rhetoric. His comments at Cannes were particularly pointed, contributing to a narrative that portrays Trump as lacking cultural and artistic sensibility, which aligns with the criticisms from various quarters of the entertainment sector. This public spat highlights the polarized views between Trump's administration and prominent figures in the arts, who see themselves as defenders of democratic values.

The implications of such exchanges between political leaders and cultural icons are significant, as they shape public discourse and could influence the sentiments of their respective audiences. Trump's characterization of De Niro as having a 'very low IQ' and making 'seriously CRIMINAL' remarks suggests a strategy aimed at undermining his critics' credibility while appealing to his base. This incident is another example of the intensifying culture war currently at play in American politics.