President Donald Trump’s comment on the death of actor Rob Reiner ignited immediate backlash from fellow Republicans and conservative commentators.
Trump’s Post and Allegations
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Reiner was killed “due the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known and sometimes referred to as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.” He prefaced the claim by calling the killings “a very sad thing.” No public authority information supports the allegation.
The Tragic Death
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home Sunday afternoon from stab wounds, according to a person close to the family. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested in connection with the deaths, per two law‑enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the investigation. Nick has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and homelessness.
Republican Reaction
Several Republican lawmakers condemned Trump’s emphasis on Reiner’s political views. Rep. Mike Lawler, R‑N.Y., wrote on X: “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.”
House Republicans Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Thomas Massie of Kentucky also blasted the post on X. Massie wrote: “Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered,” adding: “I guess my elected GOP colleagues, the VP, and White House staff will just ignore it because they’re afraid? I challenge anyone to defend it.”
Conservative Voices
Conservative activists and commentators reacted swiftly. Robby Starbuck, filmmaker and anti‑D&I advocate, posted: “What happened last night to Rob Reiner and his wife was a savage butchering of 2 human lives … I don’t care what their politics were or how they felt about Trump, no law abiding human deserves this. We should pray for + send condolences to his loved ones and NOT make it political.”
Raheem Kassam, editor of The National Pulse, wrote on X: “Don’t love this, to be honest.” Jenna Ellis, former Trump campaign lawyer, told NBC News she was “grateful to see other Trump supporters and prominent conservative voices likewise encourage the president to reconsider and delete this comment.” In her own X post she called Trump’s message “NOT the appropriate response” to the killings, noting: “The Right uniformly condemned political and celebratory responses to Charlie Kirk’s death … This is a horrible example from Trump (and surprising considering the two attempts on his own life) and should be condemned by everyone with any decency.”
Alex Bruesewitz, a top Trump ally, posted “RIP, Rob Reiner” with a praying‑hands emoji. Later he said he takes no issue with Trump’s post, arguing: “I don’t think it undermines us … It’s ok for people to have different reactions. Rob Reiner was really nasty towards the President … I don’t blame the president for having the reaction that he had.” Jack Posobiec, a conservative commentator, framed the post as a warning, saying: “Where is the celebration in Trump’s post? He isn’t celebrating, he is warning.” Bret Weinsten tweeted: “Notice that the American right is NOT celebrating Rob Reiner’s murder … May his memory, and his remarkable body of work, be a blessing to us all.”
Official Response
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed that Nick Reiner was booked for the murder of his parents.
Background on Reiner
Reiner had been a vocal critic of Trump and a major donor to Democratic causes, giving more than $150,000 to the Democratic presidential candidates’ “victory fund” during the 2024 election cycle. He had publicly denounced violence as an answer to political disagreement, stating to Piers Morgan: “I don’t care what your political beliefs are: That’s not acceptable,” expressing “absolute horror” at Charlie Kirk’s shooting. Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA, posted the interview and praised Reiner for responding “with grace and compassion to Charlie’s assassination.”
Key Takeaways
- President Trump’s comment on Reiner’s death sparked immediate GOP and conservative backlash.
- Reiner and his wife were found dead Sunday; their son Nick has been arrested.
- Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators condemned Trump’s politicized response.
The incident underscores the intense polarization surrounding political commentary and the swift reactions it can provoke across the political spectrum.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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