Trump Draws Backlash After Suggesting Director Rob Reiner Died of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’
Written by b87fm on 12/15/2025
Classless President Donald Trump is facing bipartisan criticism after making inflammatory remarks about the apparent homicide of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, just hours after the couple was found brutally slain at their Los Angeles home.
In a Truth Social post published Monday (Dec. 15), Trump suggested—without evidence—that the deaths were connected to what he derisively called “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a term he frequently uses to attack political critics.
“A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood,” Trump wrote. “Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”
Trump went on to claim that Reiner’s outspoken opposition to him had driven others “CRAZY,” suggesting—again without evidence—that this animosity played a role in the killings. Law enforcement authorities have not identified a motive, and there is no factual basis supporting Trump’s assertions.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department jail records, the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was reportedly arrested and held on $4 million bond. The online record did not list any formal charges at the time of reporting.
Republicans Push Back
Trump’s remarks drew swift condemnation from members of his own party.
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) called the post
“inappropriate and disrespectful,” writing, “Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has clashed with Trump in the past, also criticized the statement, saying, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.”
Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak.
This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.
Many… pic.twitter.com/uVd3lGVEgm
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 15, 2025
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) echoed that sentiment, calling Trump’s comments “wrong.”
“Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence—let alone at the hands of their own son,” Lawler wrote. “This is a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion, period.”
This statement is wrong.
Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence, let alone at the hands of their own son. It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in our country, period. https://t.co/WjZ6kOoomR
— Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) December 15, 2025
Democrats Offer Condolences
Democratic leaders also responded, focusing on mourning rather than politics. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Barack Obama all shared messages of condolence.
“Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele,” Obama wrote. “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories, but beneath them was a deep belief in the goodness of people and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action.”
Reiner, an acclaimed director and actor, was a vocal critic of Trump and frequently warned about what he viewed as threats to democratic institutions. Authorities continue to investigate the killings, and no official motive has been released.
