Trump doubles down on calling Rob Reiner ‘deranged’, draws backlash from Republicans too

As tributes poured in following the killing of Hollywood veteran Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer, US President Donald Trump sparked controversy by mocking the acclaimed actor-director, calling him a “deranged person” — remarks that triggered sharp criticism, including from within Republican ranks.

Despite the backlash, Trump refused to soften his comments, reiterating that Reiner had been “very bad for the country.” Reiner had long been a Democratic donor and an outspoken critic of Trump.

What did Donald Trump say about Rob Reiner?

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump described the couple’s deaths as a “very sad thing” before launching into a personal attack.

“Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele,” Trump wrote.

He went on to claim that Reiner’s death was “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, sometimes referred to as TDS.”

In a separate post, Trump alleged that Reiner had “driven people CRAZY” through his “raging obsession” with Trump, adding that Reiner’s “paranoia” intensified as the Trump administration, he claimed, exceeded expectations and ushered in what he called a “Golden Age of America.”

When asked by reporters about the remarks during an Oval Office event, Trump stood by his statements.

“I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned,” Bloomberg quoted him as saying. “I was not a fan of Rob Reiner in any way, shape or form. I thought he was very bad for our country.”

Backlash from both parties

Trump’s posts drew condemnation from Democrats and Republicans alike. New York Republican Representative Mike Lawler criticised the comments on X, writing: “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.”

Georgia Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has recently distanced herself from Trump, urged restraint. “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies,” she wrote.

Conservative commentator Erick Erickson also rebuked Trump, comparing the outrage to earlier calls for civility following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. “All of those people who lost their jobs for their disgusting tweets about Charlie Kirk’s assassination are staring at the President of the United States’ social media account in disbelief,” Erickson said.

How did Rob Reiner die?

Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer, 70, were found dead at their Brentwood residence on Sunday with multiple stab wounds. Celebrity news outlet TMZ reported that the couple’s daughter discovered their bodies.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the deaths were being treated as a homicide and identified the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, as the suspect. Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Monday. While formal charges had not yet been filed, bail was set at $4 million.

According to Reuters, homicide detectives were scheduled to present the case to the county district attorney on Tuesday for a charging decision. Local media also reported that Nick Reiner had been seen arguing with his parents at a holiday party hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien the night before the killings.