The political and entertainment worlds have been left reeling after former US President Donald Trump posted a controversial statement about the murder of celebrated film director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. The couple were found stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, 14 December 2025.
A 'Disgusting' Political Attack
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, 15 December, Mr Trump suggested the double homicide was linked to what he termed Reiner's "massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction" of "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME" (TDS). He described the 78-year-old director as "a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star" whose "raging obsession" had reportedly driven others to anger.
The comments were met with immediate and widespread condemnation. Actor Whoopi Goldberg led the charge, asking on The View, "Have you no shame? No shame at all? Can you get any lower?" She compared the statement to Mr Trump's remarks following the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
California Governor Gavin Newsom labelled the former president "a sick man", while Democrat congresswoman Zoe Lofgren called it "a new low for this petty, hateful man". Even some Republicans criticised the tone, with House member Thomas Massie stating the discourse was "inappropriate and disrespectful" regardless of one's opinion of Reiner.
Son Arrested in Connection with Killings
As the political firestorm raged, Los Angeles police confirmed a tragic familial dimension to the case. Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of the couple, was arrested and booked on murder charges. He remains in custody without bail, with the case set to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney on Tuesday.
Police Chief Jim McDonnell described the incident as "a very tragic incident", with the department's robbery and homicide division leading the investigation. Reports emerged that Nick had been disruptive at a party hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien the night before the killings, embarrassing his parents and making other guests uncomfortable.
Nick Reiner had a long-publicised history of struggles with heroin addiction and homelessness, a subject he and his father explored in their 2016 film, Being Charlie. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene urged for the case to be seen as a "family tragedy" requiring empathy, not political point-scoring.
Tributes for a Hollywood Legend
Beyond the shocking circumstances of his death, tributes poured in for Rob Reiner's immense contribution to cinema. His filmography includes era-defining classics such as:
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
- Stand By Me (1986)
- The Princess Bride (1987)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
- A Few Good Men (1992)
Former President Barack Obama said he and Michelle were "heartbroken", praising Reiner's work for giving audiences "some of our most cherished stories on screen". Colleagues like Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest remembered him as a funny, smart "mensch" and a dear friend.
Reiner was also a noted liberal activist, championing causes from early childhood education to marriage equality. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Newsom highlighted his advocacy, noting he "made California a better place through his good works".
The couple, married since 1989, are survived by their three children. In a poignant twist, Michele Singer Reiner, a former photographer, took the portrait of Donald Trump that was used on the cover of his book, Trump: The Art of the Deal.
