President Donald Trump is facing a furious backlash from across the political spectrum after posting what critics have called "loathsome" and "disgusting" comments about the murders of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple were found fatally stabbed in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, 14 December 2025.
Son arrested as tributes pour in for Hollywood couple
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of the celebrated couple, has been arrested on suspicion of their murder. Los Angeles Police Department detectives stated he is "responsible" for the deaths. He was taken into custody near the University of Southern California and is being held without bail on a $4 million bond. Jail records show he is scheduled to appear in court at 8:30am local time on Tuesday, 16 December.
Friends told The Los Angeles Times that Nick and his father were seen arguing at a Christmas party on Saturday evening, just a day before the grim discovery. The bodies were reportedly found by the couple's daughter, Romy Reiner.
The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief. Rob Reiner, 78, was the legendary director behind classics like This Is Spinal Tap, Stand By Me, and When Harry Met Sally. Michele Singer Reiner, 68, was a noted photographer. A family spokesperson said they were "heartbroken by this sudden loss".
Trump's 'deranged' post triggers political firestorm
Amid the mourning, President Trump ignited a firestorm with a post on his Truth Social platform. He suggested the director's death was linked to what he termed "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
"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," Trump wrote.
The remarks were swiftly condemned as hateful and vile. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, a frequent critic, labelled Trump a "sick and irresponsible man". On The View, Whoopi Goldberg asked if the President could "get any lower", demanding, "Have you no shame?"
Criticism also came from within Trump's own party. Former MAGA ally Marjorie Taylor Greene called the post "inappropriate" and "disgraceful", urging him to delete it. The President's niece, Mary Trump, a political commentator, wrote that he "cannot bear the thought that there are people in this world who are talented, valued, and loved—three things you are not".
Obamas reveal planned dinner as Michelle offers indirect rebuke
Adding to the poignant tributes, former First Lady Michelle Obama revealed she and former President Barack Obama were due to have dinner with the Reiners on the very night they were killed.
"We've known them for many many years and we were supposed to be seeing them that night – last night and we got the news," she told Jimmy Kimmel on Monday.
While not naming Trump directly, Obama delivered a powerful defence of the couple's character. "Let me just say this, unlike some people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know," she stated. "They're not deranged or crazed."
She praised them as passionate people who "cared about fairness and equity", offering a stark contrast to the narrative pushed by the current President.
The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over Hollywood and politics alike, uniting figures in grief and outrage while a family faces an unimaginable loss from within.
