Trump Faces Backlash After Renewed Criticism of Rob Reiner Following Director’s Death
US President Donald Trump has again criticised Hollywood director Rob Reiner, days after comments he made following Reiner’s death drew widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described Reiner as “very bad for our country” and said he was “not a fan… in any way, shape or form.” The remarks followed an earlier post on Trump’s Truth Social platform, in which he suggested Reiner’s death was linked to what he called “Trump derangement syndrome,” a phrase he often uses to describe his critics.
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Police have arrested their son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. Authorities have not disclosed a motive and have said there is no evidence that Reiner’s political views or criticism of Trump played any role in the case.
In his social media post, Trump described the deaths as “very sad” but went on to accuse Reiner of having an “obsession” with him, claiming the director had “driven people crazy” with his criticism. The comments sparked swift backlash, including from members of Trump’s own Republican Party.
Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie said the remarks were “inappropriate and disrespectful,” adding that Reiner had been “brutally murdered” and should not be the subject of political attacks. Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also criticised the comments, saying the case was “a family tragedy, not about politics,” and should be met with empathy.
Other Republicans appeared to distance themselves from Trump’s remarks. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana said the president should have remained silent, noting that such comments detract from his policy achievements. “A wise man once said nothing,” Kennedy said.
Trump later reiterated his views in the Oval Office, calling Reiner a “deranged person” and alleging, without evidence, that the director was partly responsible for past claims of collusion between Trump’s campaign and Russia.
Reiner, 78, was a lifelong Democrat and outspoken liberal activist who frequently criticised Trump. He had previously described Trump as “mentally unfit” for office and warned of what he saw as a drift toward autocracy in the United States.
The president has a history of criticising political opponents after their deaths. In past years, he made disparaging remarks following the deaths of Senator John McCain and Representative John Dingell, comments that also drew widespread criticism.
Rob Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, directing acclaimed films including This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, Misery and A Few Good Men. He married Michele Singer Reiner in 1989. Michele, 68, was an actress, photographer and producer, and the owner of Reiner Light, a photography agency and production company. The couple had three children together, including Nick, 32.
