Stephen Miller Fires Back — and the Nation Reacts

Miller addressed De Niro’s comments Wednesday night during an appearance on Fox News’ Hannity, calling the actor’s remarks “ugly and baseless.”

“He has not made a movie worth watching in at least 30 years,” Miller said. “This man has been degrading himself on camera with one horrific film after another.”

Miller accused De Niro of being a “sad, bitter, broken old man” who uses television appearances to “stay relevant.” He argued that De Niro’s attack reflected “personal frustration, not political conviction.”

The exchange quickly divided public opinion online. Supporters of the Trump administration applauded Miller for defending himself, saying De Niro’s Holocaust analogy was “offensive and unacceptable.” Others defended De Niro’s outburst as the passionate opinion of an artist deeply concerned about democratic values.

Media analysts suggested that both men’s words reflected the deep polarization of American politics.

“De Niro’s language was extreme, but Miller’s response sought to humiliate rather than elevate,” said Dr. Amelia Burns of Georgetown University. “It’s a cycle of outrage that defines modern discourse.”

Jewish organizations also weighed in, condemning De Niro’s remarks as insensitive. The American Jewish Committee issued a statement saying that such comparisons “diminish the memory of the Holocaust and contribute to a toxic public conversation.”

As of Thursday, De Niro had not apologized, and his representatives said he “stands by his remarks.” Miller, meanwhile, dismissed the feud as a Hollywood distraction, saying, “The American people care about results, not celebrity tantrums.”

In the end, the clash between De Niro and Miller became more than just a headline—it symbolized the widening divide between Hollywood and Washington, and the growing tendency for public figures to trade personal insults instead of ideas.

As one columnist noted: “This isn’t about two men—it’s about the culture of outrage we’ve built around them.”