In a shocking move on Monday morning, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to claim that legendary director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife had died because of Reiner’s anti‑Trump views. Trump said the killings were \”a very sad thing\” and blamed the deaths on \”TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS\” – a term he coined to describe Reiner’s alleged anger.
Trump’s Allegations
Trump wrote that Reiner was killed \”due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known and sometimes referred to as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.\” The president’s post was not backed by any publicly available evidence from authorities.
Investigation and Arrest
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home Sunday afternoon from stab wounds, according to a person close to the family. Nick Reiner, the couple’s son, was arrested in connection with the murders, as reported by two law‑enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the investigation. Nick has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and homelessness. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed that Nick was booked for the murder of his parents.
Reactions from Conservative Figures
The president’s comments drew immediate backlash online. Conservative activist Robby Starbuck called the post a \”savage butchering\” of two human lives and urged that the tragedy not be politicized. Raheem Kassam, editor of The National Pulse, posted over an image of Trump’s statement, writing \”Don\’t love this, to be honest.\” Members of Congress who had previously criticized Trump also spoke out. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie posted that Trump’s remarks were \”inappropriate and disrespectful\” and challenged anyone to defend them.
Reactions from Other Voices
Former Trump campaign lawyer Jenna Ellis told NBC News that she was \”grateful to see other Trump supporters and prominent conservative voices likewise encourage the president to reconsider and delete this comment.\” In an X post, she called Trump’s message \”NOT the appropriate response\” to the killings. Alex Bruesewitz, a top Trump ally, said he takes no issue with the president’s post and argued that Reiner had said many hateful things about Trump. Bret Weinsten posted to his 1.1 million followers that the American right is \”NOT celebrating Rob Reiner’s murder,\” emphasizing the country’s common humanity.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump blamed Reiner’s death on a self‑created disease term and called the killings \”a very sad thing.\”
- Reiner and his wife were found dead from stab wounds; their son Nick has been arrested.
- Conservative leaders and former campaign staff condemned Trump’s post as inappropriate and urged him to delete it.
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries about the president’s knowledge of a motive for the killings, leaving the situation unresolved as authorities continue their investigation.
