Trump sparks backlash after blaming Rob Reiner’s death on political hostility

Donald Trump has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and celebrities after posting remarks that appeared to blame the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner on his long-standing opposition to the president.

Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were found dead at their home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles on Sunday in what authorities have described as an apparent homicide. Their son, Nick Reiner, has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Following news of the deaths, Trump took to social media to describe the acclaimed director as “tortured and struggling”, claiming Reiner had suffered from what he called an “incurable affliction” driven by hostility towards him. The president also used the post to praise his own political record.

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Trump later doubled down when questioned by reporters during an unrelated White House event, saying he was “not a fan” of Reiner and accusing him of spreading false claims about his ties to Russia.

Lawmakers and celebrities condemn Trump’s remarks

The comments prompted swift condemnation from across the political spectrum, with critics describing them as inappropriate and offensive given the circumstances of Reiner’s death.

Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger wrote on X that Trump’s statement was “disgusting and vile”, while television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner as a friend, questioned the president’s conduct.

“I don’t understand the man in the White House,” Goldberg said, adding that Trump’s remarks showed a lack of empathy in the face of a family tragedy.

California governor Gavin Newsom called Trump “a sick man”, while Democratic congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost described the comments as “despicable”. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut said Trump had “lost it”, accusing him of implying the Reiners were responsible for their own deaths because of political views.

Several Republicans also distanced themselves from the remarks. Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said the deaths were “a family tragedy, not about politics”, urging empathy for families dealing with mental health and addiction issues. Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie called the comments “inappropriate and disrespectful”.

Reiner’s history as a Trump critic

Reiner had been a vocal critic of Trump for years, previously describing him as “mentally unfit” for office and warning that the United States risked sliding towards autocracy. Despite his political views, Reiner had publicly condemned political violence, saying it was never acceptable regardless of ideology.

Michele Reiner, a professional photographer, was also known for having taken the cover photograph for Trump’s 1987 book The Art of the Deal, a connection Reiner had referenced publicly in earlier interviews.

Police have not commented further on the investigation into the deaths, and authorities say the case remains ongoing.