President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism on Monday after he linked the killing of actor and director Rob Reiner to what he described as a “mind-crippling disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome,”
making the claim in a post on his Truth Social platform.
In the post, Trump alleged without providing any evidence that Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to the anger he caused others” through what Trump called a “raging obsession” with the president. The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is frequently used by Trump supporters to mock critics of the former president.
Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak.
This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.
Many… pic.twitter.com/uVd3lGVEgm
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 15, 2025
Reiner, a well-known filmmaker and outspoken Democratic donor, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead at their home on Sunday night. Police have reportedly arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the homicide investigation. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the cause of death or released further details.
Trump also claimed that Reiner had “driven people crazy” with his criticism of the president and suggested he suffered from paranoia related to Trump’s administration. Reiner had been a vocal critic of Trump since his first term, previously describing him as “mentally unfit” for office and warning that his influence could push the United States toward authoritarianism.
Trump’s remarks prompted condemnation from lawmakers across party lines. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie called the comments “inappropriate and disrespectful,” saying it was wrong to politicise the death of someone who had just been murdered. Fellow Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene echoed the criticism, stating, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.”
Democrats were even more forceful. Congressman Glenn Ivey described Trump’s statement as “sick and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could incite political violence. Senator Chris Murphy called the post “sick,” while Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren said Trump making light of the deaths marked “a new low,” urging his party to condemn the remarks.
The White House has not issued an official response to the criticism as of Monday.
