Musician Jack White has launched a furious public condemnation of former U.S. President Donald Trump, following Trump's controversial remarks about the recent death of acclaimed actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Post
The firestorm began on Monday when Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. In a statement widely criticized as insensitive, he commented on the death of Reiner, a longtime critic. Trump claimed the death was "reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS."
This post sparked immediate outrage across the political spectrum. The situation is a developing legal matter, as Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell has stated that Nick Reiner, the son of the couple, has been "booked for murder" in connection with their deaths.
Jack White's Scathing Rebuke
Jack White, the rock musician known for The White Stripes, responded forcefully by sharing a screenshot of Trump's comments on his Instagram. He did not hold back in his criticism.
"Trump you disgusting, vile, egomaniac, loser, child," White wrote. "Neither he nor any one of his followers can defend this gross, horrible insult to a beautiful artist who gave the world so much. To use someone’s tragic death to promote your own vanity and fascist authoritarian agenda is a corrupt and narcissistic sin. Shame on you trump and anyone who defends this."
White concluded his post by paying tribute to Reiner: "God bless you Rob Reiner and thank you for what you gave the world. I never even met you and I still stand by you."
History of Conflict Over Music and Politics
This is not the first time Jack White has publicly clashed with Donald Trump. He previously criticized Trump's 2024 campaign for using "Seven Nation Army," a hit song by The White Stripes, in a promotional video.
At that time, White issued a clear warning on Instagram: "Oh....Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)"
Following Trump's recent election victory, White expressed deep dismay in another online post. He lamented that "Americans chose a known, obvious fascist" and warned that the country would face the consequences of this decision. "It’s absolutely dumbfounding that this con man succeeded in pulling the wool over so many Americans eyes not once, but twice," he added, highlighting his consistent and vocal opposition to the former president's political career.
