Robert De Niro, one of President Biden’s most fervent Hollywood backers, is calling his decision to drop out of the 2024 race an “act of shrewd politics and selfless patriotism.”
“Joe Biden is stepping aside to clear the path for another Democrat to become president,” De Niro said in a statement to ITK on Sunday, “because there is nothing more important for our country than defeating Donald Trump at the ballot box.”
“With respect, admiration, and affection, thank you Mr. President!” the 80-year-old Academy Award winner said.
Biden withdrew from the White House race on Sunday and endorsed Vice President Harris as the Democratic Party nominee, saying it was in the party’s and the country’s best interest.
De Niro has been an outspoken critic of former President Trump.
In May, the “Killers of the Flower Moon” star appeared on behalf of the Biden campaign outside the New York City courthouse where Trump’s hush money trial was taking place.
De Niro narrated a campaign ad for Biden in May that dubbed Trump an “unhinged, power-hungry candidate.”
Trump has repeatedly criticized De Niro, referring to him as a “wacko” who is both mentally and physically “small.”