Trump Is Now Under Fire in Rare Republican Backlash

President Donald Trump sparked widespread outrage—including from several fellow Republicans—after posting on Truth Social about the stabbing deaths of legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.

The couple was found dead Sunday afternoon in their Brentwood home in Los Angeles, and their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of murder.

He is being held without bail, though formal charges have not yet been filed.

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Trump’s post acknowledged the tragedy but quickly veered into criticism of Reiner’s politics.

What Trump Said That’s Pissed Everyone Off

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

He continued:

“He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before.

May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”

In the Oval Office later Monday, Trump stood by his remarks when questioned by reporters.

“Well, I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned,” he said.

“He became like a deranged person. Trump derangement syndrome. So, I was not a fan of Rob Reiner at all in any way, shape or form. I thought he was very bad for our country.”

Reiner’s Views and Criticism of President Trump

Reiner, 78, was a prominent Democratic supporter and one of Trump’s most vocal critics.

In an October interview with MS NOW, he warned that “our Democracy is being taken away from us” under the current administration.

Police have provided no motive for the killings, describing the case as a homicide investigation with no evidence linking the deaths to politics.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed Monday that Nick Reiner was “responsible” for the deaths, but details remain limited.

The president’s comments prompted immediate backlash from Republicans, marking one of the rare instances of intraparty criticism during his second term.

GOP Clash With Trump on The Horrible Tragedy

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) called the post “wrong,” stating:

“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.”

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) described the remarks as “inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered.”

He added: “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.”

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a former Trump ally who has clashed with him recently, emphasized:

“This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.”

She added: “Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson avoided directly addressing Trump’s post but called the murders “not only an unspeakable family tragedy” but also “a reminder of the senseless violence and evil that is so rampant in our society.”

He added: “At this time, my thoughts go to Scripture.”

Democrats Weigh In Heavier

Democrats were more pointed in their criticism.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said Trump had “lost it,” adding: “Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick.”

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) called it “a new low for this petty, hateful man.”

The episode unfolded amid reports that Nick Reiner had a history of struggles with drug addiction and mental health issues.

Rob Reiner and his son had collaborated on the 2016 film Being Charlie, a semi-autobiographical story about addiction and family strain.

Reiner spoke openly about the challenges, saying in interviews that the family had pushed for treatments that didn’t work and that they should have listened more to their son.

Hollywood Reacts

The deaths shocked Hollywood, where Reiner was remembered as a giant of the industry.

He directed iconic films including This Is Spinal Tap (1984), Stand by Me (1986), The Princess Bride (1987), When Harry Met Sally… (1989), Misery (1990), and A Few Good Men (1992).

His final directorial effort was the 2025 sequel Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

Tributes flooded in from across the entertainment world. Actor Kathy Bates, who won an Oscar for her role in Misery, said she was “absolutely devastated” and called Reiner “brilliant and kind.”

Christopher Guest and Jamie Lee Curtis, co-stars from This Is Spinal Tap, said they were “numb and sad and shocked” and focused on supporting the family.

Stephen King, whose novels were adapted by Reiner, wrote: “I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele.”

Former President Barack Obama remembered Reiner’s “deep belief in the goodness of people” and his commitment to action.

The Reiner family issued a statement expressing “profound sorrow” and requesting privacy.

As the investigation continues and the case heads to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the tragedy has highlighted ongoing debates over political rhetoric and family struggles in the public eye.

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