Jane Fonda, Robert De Niro, and Bette Midler led a star-studded lineup at the Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment in New York City on Sunday night, targeting Donald Trump and his administration's policies. The event, held at Manhattan's Town Hall, was organized by the Committee for the First Amendment, which Fonda revived in 2025 after Trump's re-election.
De Niro's Blunt Critique
Robert De Niro opened with a sharp jab: "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to all of you who couldn't get tickets to the White House cage fights." He continued, "I don't love a country that's led by a racist, misogynist, xenophobic tyrant." De Niro also referenced Trump's recent comment about not thinking about Americans' financial situation, telling the crowd, "Shut the f*** up," a phrase the audience chanted back.
Fonda's Fiery Speech
Jane Fonda criticized the government for violating the First Amendment, targeting artists and institutions like the Kennedy Center. She noted the difference from the 20th century: "Attacks are coming from every part of the government: the executive, the legislative, and the Supreme Court." Fonda added, "The un-American Activities Committee is coming from the White House."
Musical Performances
Rufus Wainwright sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," and Patti Smith performed her protest anthem "People Have the Power." Bette Midler delivered a rousing version of Woody Guthrie's "All You Fascists Bound to Lose" with updated lyrics, including "We're gonna win the midterms, we're coming for his ass."
Speakers on Key Issues
Lily Gladstone spoke about Native American experiences, noting that division and stolen speech are not new for Indigenous peoples. Julia Roberts recited a poem by Amanda Gorman honoring Renée Good, a 37-year-old killed by ICE in Minneapolis. Wilson Cruz and Peppermint addressed LGBTQ+ issues, highlighting dangers for trans Americans. Rabbi Rachel Tomoner emphasized religious freedom and freedom from religion.
The event also featured formerly detained children leading a song and a trio of diverse faith leaders. Fonda concluded by urging supporters to call representatives to block the Paramount and Warner Bros merger, saying, "We have sung out, and now it's time for us to rise up."
