Robert De Niro on Donald Trump victory: 'I feel like I did when 9/11 happened'

Actor Robert De Niro gives a sneak peak of his performance in the film ‘Hands of Stone’ at Cannes Film Festival yesterday (AFP)

Robert De Niro has compared his feelings about Donald Trump being elected as President to the way he felt during the 9/11 terrorist attack on America.

De Niro has had a lot to say during and in the aftermath of the US elections. First describing how he would like to punch Mr Trump in the face and then declaring he would no longer like to do so, the Raging Bull actor's palpable confusion embodies the disbelief felt across America.

Speaking to The Telegraph to promote his latest film, which is, somewhat ironically, called The Comedian, he said he felt as disturbed as he did learning the Twin Towers in New York had been attacked by terrorists. His struggle to comprehend the surreal situation America finds itself was clear.

“I feel like I did when the World Trade Centre was attacked. I’m waiting to see. I’m stunned. We're gonna see. I’m gonna give him the benefit of the doubt. We’ll see what happens.

“This was about world order, doing things, trying to work our way through a lot of problems internationally and domestically and you need a grown up for that. We’ll see. We’re all waiting, we’re watching.”

Reactions from Mr Trump’s high-profile detractors have been mixed. While some, like Amy Schumer, have vented their rage at Trump supporters - “You are weak. You are not just misinformed. You didn't even attempt information” - others, like Seth Meyers, have called for both sides to show empathy towards each other, telling supporters: “I sincerely hope he [Mr Trump] addresses your concerns, I sincerely hope that if you felt forgotten, he won’t forget you now."

Amid calls for calm and unity, Jennifer Lawrence responded with an essay calling on her followers to feel rage at the result, and then harness it into something productive.