US President Donald Trump has defended his controversial comments about late Hollywood director Rob Reiner, doubling down on criticism that sparked widespread backlash across the political spectrum.
The president’s remarks followed the shocking discovery of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Police later arrested their son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. Authorities have not disclosed a motive and have stated that there is no evidence linking the killings to Reiner’s political views or his long standing criticism of Trump.
Despite this, Trump drew sharp criticism after posting on Truth Social that the couple’s deaths were “very sad” while also attacking Reiner personally. In the post, Trump claimed the director’s death was connected to what he described as “Trump derangement syndrome,” a phrase he frequently uses to describe his critics. He further alleged that Reiner was “known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession” with him.
Speaking later to reporters, Trump reiterated his stance, saying Reiner was “very bad for our country.” During comments made in the Oval Office, he described the late filmmaker as a “deranged person” and suggested Reiner played a role in past claims of collusion between Russia and Trump’s campaign.
“I was not a fan of Rob Reiner at all, in any way, shape or form,” Trump said.
The comments triggered swift condemnation, including from members of Trump’s own party. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie criticised the president’s remarks as inappropriate and disrespectful, stating that political differences should not overshadow the gravity of a brutal killing.
“Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered,” Massie wrote, adding that silence from other Republican leaders appeared to stem from fear rather than agreement.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also distanced herself from Trump’s comments, stressing that the incident should be treated as a family tragedy rather than a political battleground. She called for empathy and compassion for those affected.
Several other senior Republicans echoed similar sentiments. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy said Trump should have refrained from commenting altogether, noting that such statements distract from policy achievements.
“I think a wise man once said nothing,” Kennedy remarked. “When the president says these sorts of things, it detracts from his policy achievements.”
Rob Reiner, 78, was a lifelong Democrat and a prominent liberal activist who frequently criticised Trump. Over the years, he publicly questioned Trump’s fitness for office and warned of what he described as a growing threat to democracy. As recently as October, Reiner claimed the US was moving toward “full on autocracy.”
Trump’s remarks have also revived discussions about his past comments regarding deceased political opponents. In previous years, he publicly criticised the late Senator John McCain following his death and made controversial remarks about the late Congressman John Dingell, comments that were later dismissed by the White House as the president “riffing.”
Beyond politics, Rob Reiner was widely celebrated for his contributions to cinema. He directed several iconic films across different genres, including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery and A Few Good Men. He married Michele Singer Reiner in 1989 after meeting her during the production of When Harry Met Sally. The couple shared three children, including Nick, who is now at the center of the ongoing investigation.
Michele Reiner, 68, was an accomplished actress, photographer and producer, and the owner of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company.
As investigations continue, Trump’s remarks remain a source of controversy, drawing criticism even from allies and reigniting debate over the tone and conduct of political discourse in moments of tragedy.
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