RM Robert De Niro Reportedly Plans Exit From New York After Mayor Mamdani’s Rise: “I Can’t Stay — He Wants My Savings”

Robert De Niro, long regarded as one of New York City’s most iconic residents and an outspoken political voice, is reportedly preparing to leave the city following the ascent of Mayor Mamdani. Once an ardent supporter of the new mayor, the legendary actor now claims that the policies he once praised have made remaining in New York financially untenable.

“I never thought it would reach this point,” De Niro said, speaking with a seriousness familiar to anyone who has watched his films. “They want access to my savings. People assume I’m endlessly wealthy, but I haven’t been working much lately. What I have saved is what I live on.”

For years, De Niro embodied the cultural and political spirit of New York. He championed progressive causes, spoke critically of capitalism, and regularly argued that the wealthy should shoulder a greater burden for society’s benefit.

That stance aligned seamlessly with Mamdani’s campaign, which promised sweeping redistribution, steep taxes on high earners, and a commitment to redirect what he described as “excess wealth” toward public use. De Niro didn’t merely endorse the campaign — he embraced it wholeheartedly.

At public events, the actor hailed Mamdani as a transformative leader, applauding his resolve to confront economic inequality head-on. Detractors were brushed off as alarmists, and De Niro repeatedly suggested that opposition stemmed from an unwillingness to share privilege.

According to those close to him, the problem arose when De Niro realized that the category of “the wealthy” included himself.

“Once the details became concrete, everything changed,” said a longtime acquaintance. “In a matter of days, he went from excited to puzzled to genuinely worried.”

Insiders say the moment of reckoning came when De Niro examined early outlines of proposed taxes targeting large asset holdings, long-term savings, and what officials labeled “idle accumulated wealth.”

“That phrase really bothered him,” one associate noted. “He kept saying, ‘That money isn’t idle — I worked for it.’”

Online reactions were swift and unsympathetic. Critics pointed out that Mamdani’s platform had never been vague about its intentions.

“He campaigned on taxing people exactly like you,” one viral comment read. “This was never hidden.”

Another simply said, “This is the ‘find out’ phase.”

Despite the criticism, De Niro insists his values remain intact — though he now questions how far those values should extend.

“I still believe in fairness,” he explained. “But there has to be moderation. You can’t endlessly penalize success.”

Political analysts say De Niro’s experience is far from unusual. Bold economic proposals often enjoy elite support until those policies move from rhetoric to implementation.

“There’s always a moment when ideals turn into numbers on a spreadsheet,” one observer remarked. “That’s when enthusiasm fades.”

Behind closed doors, De Niro has reportedly begun considering relocation to states with lower taxes and fewer experimental policies. While no final move has been confirmed, advisors suggest he increasingly feels unwelcome — at least financially.

“He loves New York,” said a source familiar with the situation. “But affection has limits when the government starts viewing your savings as a public resource.”

Mayor Mamdani addressed the reports calmly, expressing little concern.

“These policies apply equally,” he said. “If someone truly believes in shared responsibility, that belief shouldn’t disappear when it becomes uncomfortable.”

Privately, City Hall insiders admit they anticipated reactions like this once campaign promises transitioned into governance.

“People like the idea of sacrifice,” one aide commented. “As long as it’s theoretical.”

The situation has also unsettled other prominent supporters of the mayor. Some are now consulting financial experts, while others who once spoke loudly have grown noticeably quiet.

For many, De Niro has become the most visible example of this shift.

“He doesn’t regret supporting Mamdani,” said a longtime associate. “He regrets not reading the fine print.”

Critics argue the episode reflects a broader trend in celebrity activism, where commitment often falters at personal cost.

“It’s easy to demand change when the price feels abstract,” one commentator observed. “It’s harder when the bill has your name on it.”

De Niro maintains he’s been misunderstood.

“I’m not against helping people,” he said. “But there has to be a reasonable limit — one that doesn’t erase everything I’ve earned.”

Whether he ultimately leaves New York remains uncertain. Some believe he’ll seek exemptions or financial restructuring; others see departure as inevitable.

“If he stays,” one analyst noted, “he lives with the consequences of his advocacy. If he leaves, he lives with the accusation of hypocrisy.”

For now, De Niro stands caught between two roles: the progressive voice calling for accountability from the wealthy, and an aging star scrutinizing his bank statements with unease.

New York, meanwhile, continues forward, largely indifferent to the potential loss of one of its most famous residents. As one local put it, “Celebrities come and go. Taxes don’t.”

Should De Niro depart, the city will endure. But the episode may serve as a reminder that embracing sweeping change is easy — until ideals collide with reality.