De Niro rallies voters to reclaim power in 2026 midterms

Voting early and mobilizing neighbors were central themes of Robert De Niro’s address at a New York rally on Sunday. The actor spoke at the “Hands Off Our Vote” event, urging attendees to participate in next month’s 2026 midterm elections.

De Niro’s message on democratic principles

Citing The Hill, reports indicate De Niro began by framing voting as essential to American democracy. He told the crowd that “Power to the people isn’t just a slogan,” describing it as “the founding principle of our nation, guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The actor argued that powerful individuals currently seek to diminish voter influence. “Now there are people, powerful people, who we’ve empowered,” De Niro stated, questioning whether Americans would permit such erosion of their authority.

Direct appeals for early participation

De Niro instructed attendees to vote early in the upcoming elections. He also encouraged them to involve family, friends, neighbors, and others in the process. “First, we’re going to vote, and we’re going to vote early,” he said.

His remarks shifted toward Trump and administration policies, which he claimed were increasingly unpopular among voters. “They try to take our votes away,” De Niro asserted.

Profanity-laced criticism of Trump

The actor launched into a profanity-laced attack against Donald Trump. “And when that coward, that f—ing piece of s—, Donald Trump,” De Niro said, accusing the former president of attempting to strip Americans of their “voice and power.”

He led the crowd in repeated calls to protect voting rights. “Keep your f—ing hands off our vote!” he exclaimed, with the audience echoing his message throughout the rally.

Ruffalo joins call for engagement

Fellow actor Mark Ruffalo also appeared at the New York rally. Ruffalo discussed election security and urged attendees to remain engaged, calling the 2026 midterms “one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes.”

De Niro concluded his speech with a direct appeal to voters. “Take back the House. Take back the Senate. Take back the power,” he said, adding an exhortation to “Take back our country.”

Public criticism of Trump has been frequent from De Niro over the years. Trump has repeatedly attacked the actor in response. Their political clashes have continued as the 2026 midterm elections approach.