US President Donald Trump is facing renewed criticism after repeating harsh remarks about Hollywood director Rob Reiner, only days after Reiner and his wife were found dead at their Los Angeles home.
Rob Reiner, a prominent filmmaker and longtime Trump critic, died alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Police are investigating the case as a domestic homicide. Authorities arrested the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. Investigators have not named a motive and say politics played no role in the killings.
Trump’s Remarks Trigger Strong Backlash
While speaking with reporters, Trump described Reiner as “very bad for our country.” He reinforced comments he had earlier posted on his Truth Social account.
In that post, Trump suggested Reiner’s death was connected to what he calls “Trump derangement syndrome,” a phrase he often uses to dismiss critics. Although Trump described the deaths as “very sad,” he accused Reiner of having an unhealthy obsession with him.
Many political figures quickly condemned the remarks. Critics from both parties called them insensitive and inappropriate given the circumstances.
Republican Leaders Speak Out
Several Republicans publicly distanced themselves from Trump’s comments.
Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie said it was disrespectful to speak that way about someone who had just been murdered. He added that silence from other Republican leaders reflected fear rather than agreement.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene urged empathy. She said the case involved a grieving family, not political enemies. Greene stressed that the tragedy should not become a political debate.
Louisiana Senator John Kennedy also criticized Trump’s remarks. He said the president should have said nothing. Kennedy added that such comments distract from Trump’s policy accomplishments.
Trump Doubles Down From the Oval Office
Despite the backlash, Trump later repeated his criticism during comments from the Oval Office.
He described Reiner as “deranged” and accused him of helping fuel claims of Russian collusion during Trump’s first term. Trump also said he never supported Reiner in any capacity.
This is not the first time Trump has criticized political opponents after their deaths. He made similar remarks following the deaths of Senator John McCain and Democratic lawmaker John Dingell.
Rob Reiner’s Life and Career
Rob Reiner, 78, left a lasting mark on Hollywood. He directed several iconic films across multiple genres. His best-known works include This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery, and A Few Good Men.
A lifelong Democrat, Reiner often criticized Trump. He once called Trump “mentally unfit” for office and later warned that the US was moving toward authoritarian rule.
Reiner married Michele Singer Reiner in 1989. Michele, 68, worked as an actress, photographer, and producer. She also ran the Reiner Light photography and production company. The couple had three children together.
