UPDATE: President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash for his controversial comments following the tragic deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, found dead in their Brentwood home on October 15, 2023. The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the incident as an apparent homicide, with their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, arrested and charged with murder.
In a shocking statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump attributed Reiner’s death to what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” suggesting the filmmaker’s strong criticism of him contributed to his demise. He remarked, “A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood,” adding that Rob was known to have driven people “crazy” with his obsession over Trump.
The president’s remarks have ignited widespread outrage, with many calling it his “worst social media post of all time.” Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger criticized Trump, stating, “What a disgusting and vile statement.” Singer Sheryl Crow echoed similar sentiments on Instagram, questioning how such comments could be considered acceptable from a sitting president.
Political leaders from both sides of the aisle have condemned Trump’s comments. Florida Democrat and US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost labeled Trump “a despicable piece of garbage,” while Connecticut Democrat and US senator Chris Murphy expressed disbelief that Trump implied the Reiners were responsible for their own tragedy. Even Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized the need to respect the family’s grief, stating, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics.”
In a press conference on October 16, Trump doubled down on his comments, describing Rob Reiner as “a deranged person.” He reiterated his lack of fondness for the director, stating, “I thought he was very bad for our country.”
The tragic deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner have prompted tributes from numerous public figures. Former President Barack Obama expressed heartbreak over the loss, while former President Bill Clinton and former Vice President Kamala Harris also shared their condolences, highlighting the couple’s impact on their lives and the community.
As the investigation unfolds, the public remains divided over Trump’s comments amid a national conversation on the intersection of politics and personal tragedy. The Reiner family’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind sensational headlines and internet discourse.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
