De Niro on Trump verdict: "Justice was served"

Donald Trump heard the court's verdict regarding the falsification of documents and paying pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels in exchange for her silence. The woman was supposed to receive $130,000 so that she would not speak publicly about their alleged intimate relationship before the 2016 presidential elections. The prosecution accused Trump of illegally hiding these expenses as payments for legal services to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen, who intermediated in the transaction. Trump was charged with a total of 34 counts. On 30 July, it was announced that Trump is guilty and will hear the court's verdict on 11 July.

"I’m always very weary. I don’t wanna get too excited about anything. It’s as it should be. Justice has been served. That’s it," the actor told "Page Six" at the premiere of the film "Ezra." When asked whether he thinks Trump will still run for president, the actor replied, "For me, it’s not over ’til it’s over."

At the same event, De Niro also commented to "Variety," in which he admitted: "This never should have gotten to this stage. I don’t want to be talking, but I am so upset by it. I have to say something. This is my country. This guy wants to destroy it. Period. He’s crazy."

Journalists asked De Niro if he was afraid of violent reactions from Trump's fans. "But I have to be afraid to be intimidated. And that’s why I said, you’re not going to intimidate us. People are fed up, they’re going to fight back. That’s not what we’re about in this country!" he said.

A few days before the verdict was announced, De Niro appeared in front of the courthouse where Donald Trump's case was being heard. The Hollywood star sharply criticised the former President of the United States, calling him a "threat" to Americans.

"I love this city. I don't want to destroy it. Donald Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country, and eventually, he can destroy the world," the actor said.