Washington, D.C. – US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy after repeating criticisms of Hollywood director Rob Reiner following the tragic deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, in Los Angeles. The comments have drawn widespread condemnation from both political opponents and members of Trump’s own party.

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Trump’s Remarks on Rob Reiner

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Reiner was “very bad for our country” and described him as a “deranged person,” reiterating his previous claim on Truth Social that the director’s death was linked to what he calls “Trump derangement syndrome”, a term he often uses for critics.

Trump has made clear in multiple statements that he was not a fan of Reiner, emphasizing that the late director had opposed him politically. He stated that Reiner was “partly behind previous claims of collusion” between Russia and Trump’s campaign and accused him of “driving people crazy” with his political activism.

The president’s comments were made hours after Reiner and Michele’s son, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested in connection with the couple’s deaths. Police have not suggested any motive linked to politics, and there is no evidence that Reiner’s criticism of Trump played any role in the crime.

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Bipartisan Backlash

Trump’s remarks have been widely criticized, including by prominent Republicans:

• Thomas Massie, Kentucky Representative, said:

“Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered.”

• Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia Representative, emphasized that this is “a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies,” calling for the public to respond with empathy.
• Senator John Kennedy, Louisiana, suggested Trump should have remained silent:

“When the president says these sorts of things, it detracts from his policy achievements.”

Many Democrats also condemned the comments as callous and politically motivated, highlighting that Reiner’s family is grieving.

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Rob and Michele Reiner: Hollywood Legacy

Rob Reiner, 78, was an acclaimed director, actor, and activist, known for films spanning comedy, drama, and mockumentary genres, including:

• This Is Spinal Tap
• Stand By Me
• Misery
• A Few Good Men
• When Harry Met Sally

Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was an actress, photographer, and producer, and founder of Reiner Light, a photography and production company. The couple married in 1989 and had three children, including Nick Reiner, who now faces murder charges in connection with their deaths.

Hollywood colleagues, including Billy Crystal, Larry David, Martin Short, and Albert Brooks, have paid tribute to the couple as “dynamic, unselfish, and inspiring,” noting their contributions to both cinema and public life.

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Political Context

Trump has a history of criticizing political foes after their death. In 2019, he made controversial remarks about the late Senator John McCain and Congressman John Dingell, drawing comparisons to his current comments on Reiner. Critics argue that such remarks politicize personal tragedies, particularly when the deceased had no connection to current events or policies.