'Wake up Punchy!': Trump launches scathing attack on Robert De Niro after Tony Awards speech
The president also calls the actor 'a very low IQ individual'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump has attacked Robert De Niro after the actor criticised him at the Tony Awards.
In a familiar Twitter outburst, the president called the actor "a very low IQ individual" before suggesting he had "received too many shots to the head by real boxers in movies."
He added: "I watched him last night and truly believe he may be 'punch-drunk'. I guess he doesn’t realise the economy is the best it’s ever been with employment being at an all time high, and many companies pouring back into our country. Wake up Punchy!"
Mr Trump did not refer to a specific film, although De Niro has appeared in a number of violent roles including 1980 boxing classic Raging Bull.
The attack came a few days after the actor used his speech at the Tony Awards to criticise the president.
"I’m gonna say one thing: f*** Trump," he told the audience at New York's Radio City Music Hall, before he introduced Bruce Springsteen.
The 74-year-old then raised both fists in the air as he received a raucous standing ovation from the audience.
He added: "It’s no longer 'down with Trump.' It’s 'f*** Trump."
De Niro followed up his speech on a visit to Toronto where he apologised for the president, but not to him.
"I just want to make a note of apology for the idiotic behaviour of my president," he said. "It's a disgrace. And I apologise to [Canadian Prime Minister] Justin Trudeau and the other people at the G7. It's disgusting."
Mr Trump usually uses Twitter to hit back at his critics within hours, but his delayed reaction to De Niro's speech is likely due to his busy schedule.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
The US president has been holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the last two days at a summit in Singapore.
The meeting centred on nuclear disarmament and reducing tensions, and it concluded with a one-page agreement.
In the press conference afterwards, however, Mr Trump added another announcement - the cancellation of war games with South Korea.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments