Just hours after the shocking deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, President Donald Trump posted a message blaming the tragedy on what he calls βTrump derangement syndrome.βΒ
Reiner, a beloved filmmaker, and Michele were found stabbed to death in their home on Sunday afternoon. It was a shocking and tragic story. But instead of offering sympathy, Trump chose to attack Reiner personally, turning the heartbreaking news into a political jab.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: βA 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 awayβ¦ 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.β
Trump went on to claim Reiner βdrove people crazyβ with his obsession over him, saying the directorβs βparanoiaβ reached new heights as his administration βsurpassed all goals and expectations.β He finished the post with a short, almost casual, βMay Rob and Michele rest in peace.β
The reaction online was immediate. Many users called Trumpβs post cruel and deeply insensitive.
Is there really no one around this man who can say that what you are doing is inappropriate uncalled for and hurts your own movement? It creates lukewarm support among so many who voted for Trump. Itβs simply such an unnecessary and unforced error.
β David (@epochshift1) December 15, 2025
Sir, if you would please… pic.twitter.com/lHibHAvY9J
β Octavius Januarius (@minvcivs) December 15, 2025
Trump always makes himself the bridge at every wedding and the deceased at every funeral.
Is there anything in the world that isnβt about him?
β FiatLux (@MikeMikewelch3) December 15, 2025
This is disgraceful and disturbing. I canβt stand the left but this is absolutely uncalled for and wrong.
β Samuel (@Samuel644170360) December 15, 2025
Way out of line
β Henry Charles (@truewordaddict) December 15, 2025
Rob Reiner was more than a critic of Trump. He was a celebrated director, actor, and producer, known for films and shows that became part of American culture. He was also a lifelong Democrat, donating to causes he believed in, but his work was admired by people across politics for its creativity and heart.
Democratic leaders responded with compassion. Former President Barack Obama wrote that he and Michelle were heartbroken. He praised Reinerβs work in film and television, calling it βsome of our most cherished stories on screen.β Obama also highlighted Reinerβs lifelong belief in the goodness of people and his commitment to action, showing the kind of respect Trump completely missed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and former Vice President Kamala Harris also offered condolences, honoring Reiner and Michele and celebrating their lives. There were no political jabs, no attacks, just empathy β a stark contrast to Trumpβs post.
The phrase βTrump derangement syndromeβ is nothing new. Trump has long used it to dismiss critics. But using it in response to a violent homicide shocked even his usual followers. A murder is not a political debate. Real life is not a campaign ad. And yet Trump turned tragedy into another chance to mock a critic.
Featured image via YouTube screengrabΒ
