Actors Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo turned their focus to the 2026 midterms, delivering aggressive remarks against Donald Trump and Republican election policies in New York City.
The rhetoric in New York City took a sharp. aggressive turn on Sunday as two of Hollywood’s most prominent critics of Donald Trump gathered at an event for the “Hands Off Our Vote” campaign. With the 2026 midterms looming. Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo aimed their frustration directly at the former president and the Republican establishment. framing the upcoming election as a desperate fight to preserve democratic access.
De Niro opened the stage with a blunt assessment. labeling the Trump administration’s policies as “crazy and cruel” before pivoting to a sharp critique of the former president’s intelligence. “They’re very fucking stupid. I mean, really stupid. They’re stupider than I ever thought,” he told the crowd. His central argument centered on the idea that the movement’s policies are inherently unpopular. forcing them to rely on tactics that suppress voter turnout rather than winning support at the ballot box.
Moving into a rhythmic call-and-response. De Niro challenged the crowd to demand protection for voting rights against a perceived wall of opposition. He directed his ire at House and Senate Republicans. whom he branded as “weak and spineless. ” and accused the Supreme Court of “rubber-stamping voter suppression.” He further alleged that the Department of Justice is being used to threaten election officials and seize ballots. and characterized ICE agents at polling places as “masked and armed thugs.” When he eventually turned his focus to Trump. calling him a “coward” and a “fucking piece of shit. ” he solidified the evening’s primary demand: “Keep your fucking hands off our vote.”.
The intensity of the rhetoric underscored the deep-seated polarization surrounding the 2026 election cycle. By framing the struggle as a binary choice between losing or reclaiming national power. the speakers attempted to transform voter anxiety into a concrete political strategy aimed at flipping control of the House and Senate.
Mark Ruffalo followed De Niro’s lead. echoing the sentiment that the 2026 midterms represent “one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes.” He urged the audience to push past their exhaustion. referring to Trump with a string of insults. calling him a “dumbass. fool ass. tired ass. lame ass. duck ass.” In a moment of levity that underscored his career-defining role. Ruffalo jokingly threatened to “Hulk out” over Republican voter suppression efforts.
Closing his remarks, Ruffalo urged his listeners to reject the paralysis caused by anxiety. He insisted that fear is the primary weapon of their political opponents and encouraged the crowd to remain engaged. As De Niro reminded the audience, the objective is not just to protest, but to organize. “We’re going to send them away. ” De Niro promised. calling for a collective effort to take back the House. the Senate. and the country.
Robert De Niro Mark Ruffalo Donald Trump 2026 midterms Hands Off Our Vote election integrity Hollywood politics