‘I Was Naive’—Rob Schneider Says Hollywood Kicked Him Out for Questioning the ‘Tribe of Democrats’

Actor and comedian Rob Schneider sat down with Jan Jekielek, host of “American Thought Leaders,” to discuss politics in Hollywood and how being a Trump supporter has led to his being blackballed in the “self-imploding” film industry.

Schneider converted to Catholicism in 2023 and has continued to make life changes in his career.

Rob Schneider Strives To ‘Overpower Darkness’

In the full interview for “American Thought Leaders,” Schneider shared a quick story about an interaction he had with fellow actor Robert De Niro at the 50th anniversary celebration of “Saturday Night Live.” Schneider accidentally bumped into De Niro. As De Niro recognized Schneider, De Niro referenced Schneider’s support of Trump, saying, “How can you support that schmuck?”

Schneider responded, “I love you.”

The actor advocates for freedom of speech, for the marginalized, and for all life. As he reflected on his interaction with De Niro, Schneider said, “If we can really take that Christian ethic of showing that light, it will always overpower darkness.”

“Sometimes, in our worst moments, we must remember there’s a human being inside there,” Schneider said of political arguments. “Every human being is deserving of being treated with dignity.”

Since his previous films, Schneider has changed his approach to filmmaking. He and his wife, Patricia Azarcoya Schneider, don’t let their children watch his movies.

“I don’t know if I’m going to do the same stuff I’ve done. I don’t know what I’m going to do moving forward,” Schneider has said. “I just don’t know if I’d use the same words or foul language again. I think there’s a more eloquent way to express yourself than I have.”

During COVID-19, Schneider clung to “two pillars”: Joe Rogan and The Epoch Times. He said that he appreciated journalism that allowed listeners and viewers to draw their own conclusions.

“Rob Schneider’s childhood in the San Francisco Bay area with parents of mixed-race backgrounds shaped his view of the world: that America affords the greatest opportunity for people from all nations and all faiths,” says a description of his book, “You Can Do It!: Speak Your Mind, America.” “But today, in this world gone mad, free speech is under attack. And Schneider keeps finding himself in controversy for questioning what woke ideology is doing to our great nation.”

ROB SCHNEIDER: “Mark Ruffalo could say whatever he wants against Trump and he’ll still get work as an actor. But if an actor like me … dares question the tribe of Democrats, that’s it. You’re out of Hollywood.” pic.twitter.com/C7U4O4zp1h

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) December 27, 2025