United States (US) President Donald Trump has sparked outrage after commenting on the deaths of Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, suggesting their passing was connected to his presidency.
On Truth Social, Trump described Reiner as “tortured and struggling” and said the couple had passed away due to the “anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME”.
He also said that Reiner was “known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession of President Donald J Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights”.
Trump’s statements received widespread criticism from politicians across the aisle.
Congressman Mike Lawler of New York referred to the remarks as “incorrect”, stating, “No one should face violence due to their political beliefs.” Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky called the comments “inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered”.
“This is a tragedy for the family, not a matter of politics or political foes. Many families experience issues with addiction and mental health. It’s an incredibly challenging situation and should be approached with compassion, particularly when it results in murder,” Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene remarked.
Congresswoman Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma said that a father and mother were killed by their troubled son. “We should uphold the family in our prayers, rather than turning this into a political issue.”
Several other public figures also criticised Trump as Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut wrote, “Now asserting that Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder for not supporting him. So disturbing.”
“This is an awful statement about a man who was just murdered. Please delete it, Mr. President,” said journalist Piers Morgan.
The comments followed the discovery of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 68, deceased in their Los Angeles residence on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been taken into custody and is cooperating with law enforcement as the deaths are being treated as a double homicide.
Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton indicated that the cause of death would be established by the LA coroner’s office.
Reiner was an influential filmmaker recognised for directing “The Princess Bride”, “This Is Spinal Tap”, “When Harry Met Sally”, “Misery”, and “A Few Good Men”.
He was also a longstanding advocate for the Democratic Party and a vocal opponent of Trump, often labeling the former president as “mentally unfit” and “unqualified” for the role.