The 82-year-old actor made the prediction during a 40-minute interview on “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” podcast episode titled “Yes, Robert De Niro is Talking to You,” which aired on February 23, 2026. De Niro expressed deep concern about the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, warning that if citizens don’t “peacefully organize” and protect polling places, the democratic process could be compromised.
The actor specifically called out billionaires and tech CEOs for what he described as “capitulating” to the Trump administration out of fear, naming Jeff Bezos and his management of The Washington Post. De Niro stated: “The only thing he needs is integrity, and he lost his integrity.”
The emotional peak of the conversation occurred toward the end when Wallace noted that throughout his life, De Niro has consistently used his platform to “lift up” those around him. When asked why he feels such a heavy responsibility to do so, De Niro replied: “You have to—you have to lift people up,” before his voice broke.
He was visibly moved by the idea of national unity, contrasting it with what he described as the current “fire” the country is walking through. He urged listeners to “run through the fire” because there is no other way out.
De Niro addressed his public image during the interview, stating: “I’m not a tough guy. I’ve played them… I’m a concerned citizen. Period.” The clarification came as he discussed his increasingly vocal political stance and criticism of the Trump administration.
The actor declared: “I want my country back. It’s time for us who’ve taken this country for granted to stand up and get rid of this guy.” He compared Trump to “the bully in the schoolyard,” stating: “They take your lunch money on Monday, don’t think they’re not going to take it on Tuesday or Wednesday.”
De Niro’s warning about Trump refusing to leave office in 2028 represents his most direct prediction about the administration’s intentions beyond the current term. The statement suggests De Niro believes Trump will attempt to remain in power past constitutional limits or refuse to accept election results that would remove him from office.
His call for citizens to “peacefully organize” and protect polling places during the 2026 midterms indicates concerns about election integrity and potential interference. The emphasis on peaceful organization suggests De Niro envisions citizen involvement in monitoring and safeguarding the democratic process.
The criticism of tech billionaires like Bezos for “capitulating” reflects broader concerns about corporate and media figures failing to resist what De Niro characterizes as authoritarian tendencies. His specific mention of Bezos losing “integrity” in managing The Washington Post points to concerns about press freedom and independence.
The 2026 midterm elections will serve as a test of whether De Niro’s warnings about democratic process compromise materialize. His call for organization and polling place protection will be measured against actual election conduct and results later this year.
The 2028 scenario De Niro outlined remains speculative but represents a stark warning about potential constitutional crisis if Trump refuses to accept the end of his term. Whether citizens will need to “make him leave” as De Niro suggested depends on events still years away.
