Obama honors Rob Reiner after tragic death, Trump mocks him as “tortured.” Even Marjorie Taylor Greene sharply criticizes Trump.
After the violent death of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer, US President Donald Trump’s reactions caused cross-party outrage. While former President Barack Obama released an appreciative statement, Trump publicly mocked the late filmmaker.
Obama praises Reiner as a committed filmmaker
Former US President Barack Obama commented on the death of Rob Reiner in an emotional statement on the X platform on Monday, December 15th. The director and his wife were found dead in their home in Brentwood, California on Sunday, December 14th.
“Michelle and I are deeply devastated by the tragic deaths of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife Michele,” Obama wrote. He acknowledged Reiner’s contribution to film and television and highlighted his “deep belief in the good in people.” The Reiners lived “lives full of meaning” and will be remembered for the values they stood for.
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Trump speaks of “Trump Derangement Syndrome”
A few hours after Obama’s condolences, President Trump posted a controversial statement on Truth Social. In it he described Reiner as a “tormented and struggling, but once very talented” film director. Trump made Reiner’s critical attitude towards him an issue and spoke of the so-called “Trump Derangement Syndrome”, an alleged “mental illness”.
In his post, Trump claimed that Reiner was “driving people crazy” with his “rabid obsession” with him. These statements came at a time when the exact circumstances of his death were still unclear.
Son arrested on suspicion of murder
According to multiple sources, Rob Reiner and Michele Singer were found dead in their Los Angeles residence on Sunday, December 14th. The police have not yet officially confirmed the exact circumstances. According to People magazine reports, the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, was arrested in connection with the deaths.
Criticism from within our own ranks
Trump’s comments were met with unusually broad criticism – including from Republican allies. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a sometime Trump supporter, wrote: “Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed by their own son, who was reportedly struggling with drug addiction and other problems. This is a family tragedy, not an issue of politics or political opponents.”
Jenna Ellis, Trump’s former lawyer, also criticized sharply: “A man and his wife were murdered. This is NOT an appropriate response.” She pointed out that the political right had unanimously condemned political responses to the murder of Charlie Kirk.
MAGA influencers had initially shown compassion
When the news of Reiner’s death broke on Sunday evening, numerous prominent Trump supporters initially expressed sympathy and drew parallels to the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September. Podcaster Jack Posobiec wrote: “You won’t see people on the right celebrating the horrific murder of Rob Reiner and his wife.”
However, Trump’s subsequent comments caused a split within the MAGA movement, with some supporters defending the president’s position while others criticized his choice of words as inappropriate.
Background: Rob Reiner as a Trump critic
Rob Reiner, known for films such as “Harry and Sally” as well as his work as an actor and comedian, has repeatedly made critical comments about Trump in recent years. He publicly warned of “complete autocracy” under Trump’s leadership.