President Trump reacts to Rob Reiner’s death, calling him ‘crazy’
President Donald Trump doubled down on his comments about Rob Reiner, calling the late coach a “crazy person.”
President Donald Trump continued to face bipartisan backlash this week over his comments about Rob Reiner and his wife, whose bodies were found in their Southern California mansion over the weekend.
Reiner, 78, was killed along with his wife, Michelle Singer, in their Los Angeles home on Sunday, December 14, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, which is investigating the double murder.
Less than 24 hours after the late director and actor’s death, President Trump publicly shared his feelings about Reiner on social media, quickly drawing criticism from lawmakers as well as celebrities and the public.
Mr. Reiner had repeatedly criticized Mr. Trump during his lifetime, but as of December 16, there was no indication that his death was politically connected. Police took Reiner’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, into custody and charged him with murder, with bail initially set at $4 million, but no bond has been set, according to sheriff’s office records reviewed by USA TODAY.
What did President Trump say about Rob Reiner? Both of the president’s comments are here.
The Truth About Trump Social Posts About Reiner
On Monday, Dec. 15, the president began posting on social media saying that Reiner’s death was “reportedly caused by the anger he caused in others due to a mind-numbing illness known as Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
“He was known for driving people crazy with his rabid obsession with President Donald J. Trump,” the president wrote in a post on Truth Social.
President Trump later called Reiner “mentally insane”
Late Monday at the White House, President Trump responded to Republican backlash to his social media posts and a question about whether he supported them, saying, “I was never a fan of his. As far as Trump is concerned, he was a crazy person.”
Known for starring in “All in the Family” and directing films such as “The Princess Bride,” “When Harry Met Sally,” and “A Few Good Men,” Reiner was outspoken about his political views, supported progressive causes, and helped raise money for the Democratic Party.
Contributor: Zach Anderson for USA TODAY
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.
