Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro used the opening night of the Tribeca Festival’s 25th anniversary to deliver another sharp criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump, while former New York City mayor and Bloomberg founder Michael Bloomberg praised the festival’s founders for helping restore hope and confidence in New York City after the 9/11 attacks.
The contrasting messages highlighted the intersection of politics, culture, and resilience during one of New York’s most influential film and arts celebrations.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES NEWS – IMRAN MALIK:
Robert De Niro appeared to take aim at President Donald Trump during the opening night of the Tribeca Festival as Michael Bloomberg congratulated the festival’s founders for building a lasting symbol of New York City’s resilience after 9/11.
Speaking at the Beacon Theatre during the festival’s opening ceremony, De Niro reflected on Tribeca’s origins following the September 11 terrorist attacks and emphasized the power of storytelling in bringing communities together.
“We’ve always recognized the power of storytelling to pull people together,” De Niro told the audience.
The veteran actor then appeared to criticize Trump without directly naming him, saying “monstrous leaders” were trying to divide people for “their own immoral, cruel and corrupt purposes.”
“You know who I’m talking about,” De Niro added, drawing applause from attendees.
De Niro has long been one of Trump’s most outspoken critics in Hollywood and has repeatedly used public appearances to challenge the president’s leadership and rhetoric.
The festival opened with the premiere of “Earth, Wind & Fire: To Be Celestial vs. That’s the Weight of the World,” a documentary directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson celebrating the legendary music group’s cultural impact and legacy.
Questlove described the project as a story about positivity and resilience, saying the band’s music helped inspire generations during difficult times.
The evening also featured live performances from surviving members of Earth, Wind & Fire, who performed classic hits including “September” and “Shining Star” for a sold-out audience.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg founder Michael Bloomberg marked the occasion with a congratulatory message celebrating Tribeca’s lasting impact on New York City.
“Congratulations to Tribeca Festival on its 25th anniversary,” Bloomberg wrote in a LinkedIn post.
“After 9/11, Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Whoopi Goldberg helped make the Festival into a powerful vote of confidence in New York City’s future. Twenty-five years later, it remains a celebration of creativity, culture, and resilience.”
The Tribeca Festival was founded in 2001 by Robert De Niro, producer Jane Rosenthal, and actress Whoopi Goldberg to revitalize Lower Manhattan following the devastation of the September 11 attacks.
Rosenthal reflected on the festival’s unexpected longevity during the opening ceremony.
“I only thought we were doing this once to bring people back to lower Manhattan, and I can’t believe 25 years later we’re still standing here,” she said.
Over the past quarter-century, Tribeca has evolved into one of the world’s leading cultural festivals, showcasing films, music, storytelling, television, and emerging digital media while maintaining its identity as a symbol of New York’s resilience and creative spirit.
This year’s anniversary celebration arrives at a time when political polarization and cultural tensions continue to shape public discourse in the United States, making De Niro’s remarks and Bloomberg’s tribute especially significant against the backdrop of a festival built on unity and recovery.
Image Courtesy: Mike Bloomberg
