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By Andrew Stanton
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President Donald Trump said Rob Reiner was killed because of the 78-year-old film director's "raging obsession" with him, in a post to Truth Social Monday morning.
The Context
Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most prolific film directors, known for movies including When Harry Met Sally…, The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men. His death drew a wave of tributes from celebrities paying tribute to his impact on the film industry.
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Reiner was also outspoken about his support for more progressive political beliefs and disdain for Trump, calling him "mentally unfit" to be president in a 2017 interview with Variety.
'Trump Derangement Syndrome'
Trump responded to Reiner’s death Monday in a post to Truth Social.
"A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. 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 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!" he wrote.
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Trump's post drew bipartisan backlash on Monday, with Democrats and Republicans speaking out against his reaction. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican and former Trump ally, wrote on X that "this is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies."
"Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder," she wrote.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, called Trump a "sick man" in response to the post. Meanwhile, Senator John Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, called the president's post "morally corrupt" and "heartless."
"He's a sick, sick man, the president. There's no debate about that. One of the worst people, not just politicians or presidents, of our lifetimes," wrote progressive commentator Mehdi Hasan on X.
Others, however, defended Trump's post.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer wrote on X: "Trump is right. Reiner himself sounded insane when he would speak. Imagine how crazy his own kid was… on drugs. We have a mental health crisis in America."
"All of you saying @POTUS should delete this are tone deaf! Are these words nice and fuzzy? No. But this man has been almost killed because of the rhetoric that people like Rob Reiner has spewed," wrote former GOP Representative George Santos of New York to X.
Rob Reiner's Death: What We Know
Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead inside their home Sunday evening, according to the Associated Press and a family statement. Los Angeles Police Department Captain Mike Bland told AP that detectives with the robbery homicide division were investigating an "apparent homicide" at Reiner’s home.
Their 32-year-old son Nick Reiner had been arrested in connection to their deaths and is being held without bail, officials said on Monday.
"As a result of the initial investigation, it was determined that the Reiners were the victims of homicide. The investigation further revealed that Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Robert and Michele Reiner, was responsible for their deaths. Nick Reiner was located and arrested at approximately 9:15 p.m. He was booked for murder and remains in custody with no bail, under Booking Number 7144668," reads a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The couple had three children together, Jake, Nick and Romy.
What Rob Reiner Said About Donald Trump
Reiner said in a February 2024 interview with The Guardian he felt concerned that Trump returning to the White House could lead to "autocracy."
"The question at this election is: do we want to continue 249 years of self-rule and American democracy? Or do we want to turn it over to somebody like Donald Trump who has said that he wants to destroy the constitution, go after his political enemies and turn America into an autocracy? We see autocracy making its move around the world. And so if we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumbles around the world," he told the publication.
He also described Trump as a "criminal" who "basically lies every minute of his life."
In September, Reiner said on MSNBC that the U.S. democracy is "being taken away from us."
"Make no mistake. We have a year before this country becomes a full on autocracy and democracy completely leaves us," he said.
He said people should not be "surprised when polling booths are surrounded by American military in the guise of making sure that the elections are fair and that nobody’s tampering with things."
What People Are Saying
Former President Barack Obama wrote in a post to X: "Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, wrote to X: "This is a devastating loss for our city and our country. Rob Reiner’s contributions reverberate throughout American culture and society, and he has improved countless lives through his creative work and advocacy fighting for social and economic justice. An acclaimed actor, director, producer, writer, and engaged political activist, he always used his gifts in service of others."
Author Stephen King wrote to X: "I’m horrified and saddened by the death of Rob Reiner and Michele. Wonderful friend, political ally, and brilliant filmmaker (including 2 of mine). Rest in peace, Rob. You always stood by me."
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, wrote to X: "Rob was the big-hearted genius behind so many of the classic stories we love, with projects as wide-ranging as The Princess Bride to A Few Good Men. His boundless empathy made his stories timeless, teaching generations how to see goodness and righteousness in others—and encouraging us to dream bigger. That empathy extended well beyond his films. Rob was a passionate advocate for children and for civil rights—from taking on Big Tobacco, fighting for marriage equality, to serving as a powerful voice in early education. He made California a better place through his good works."
What Happens Next?
The deaths of Reiner and his wife remain under investigation.
Update 12/15/25, 4:10 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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