President Donald Trump has reiterated comments regarding Hollywood director Rob Reiner, following earlier statements that drew criticism. Mr. Trump described Reiner, a known critic, as "very bad for our country" in remarks to reporters. Previously, on Truth Social, he linked Reiner's death to "Trump derangement syndrome," a term he frequently uses for his critics.
Incident Details
Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered deceased at their Los Angeles residence on Sunday. Authorities have arrested their son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. Police have not indicated a motive for the deaths and have stated there is no evidence suggesting Reiner's political views or criticism of Trump played a role.
President Trump's Social Media Post
In his Truth Social post, which also expressed the couple's deaths as "very sad," Mr. Trump commented on Rob Reiner: "He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump."
Republican Reactions
These comments led to responses from several prominent Republican figures:
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Representative Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky): Stated on X, "Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered." He added, "I challenge anyone to defend it."
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Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia): Remarked that "this is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies" and that the murders should be "met with empathy."
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Senator John Kennedy (R-Louisiana): Expressed that President Trump should not have made the comments. "I think a wise man once said nothing. Why? Because he was a wise man," Kennedy said. "I think President Trump should have said nothing. I think when the president says these sorts of things, it detracts from his policy achievements."
Multiple other senior members of Trump's party reportedly distanced themselves from the remarks.