The entertainment and political worlds are reeling from the shocking murders of acclaimed Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, activist Michele Singer. The tragedy took a further devastating turn with the arrest of their son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the stabbing deaths at the couple's Los Angeles home.
Trump's Controversial Social Media Post
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the news on his Truth Social platform on December 15, 2025. His statement called the deaths "a very sad thing" but quickly pivoted to criticism of Reiner, who was a longtime and vocal critic of Trump.
Trump described Reiner as "a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star." He attributed this alleged state to what he termed "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME (TDS)," claiming Reiner's "raging obsession" with him had driven people "CRAZY." Trump concluded the post by writing, "May Rob and Michele rest in peace!"
A Family Shattered by Violence
Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer, 74, were found dead in their Los Angeles residence. The couple, married since 1989, were parents to three children. It is believed their daughter, Romy, discovered the bodies. Their son, Nick Reiner, was subsequently arrested in connection with the killings.
Beyond his iconic film career, which included directing "A Few Good Men" and "The Princess Bride," Reiner was a dedicated political activist. Singer was equally passionate, with both advocating fiercely for causes like marriage equality and early childhood development.
Reiner's History of Criticizing Trump
The "All in the Family" alum was never silent about his disdain for Donald Trump. In 2016, after Trump's first "60 Minutes" interview as President-elect, Reiner called the sit-down "embarrassing" and labeled Trump a "moron."
His criticism continued throughout Trump's presidency. In a 2017 interview with Variety, Reiner declared Trump "mentally unfit" for office. By 2018, in a discussion with Salon, he accused Trump of employing "classic fascist" tactics and called him a "con man" and a "criminal." Reiner was a frequent critic on social media until pausing his X account after the 2020 election.
Mixed Reactions and a Call for Decency
Public reaction to the murders has been divided, often reflecting the deep political chasm Reiner himself inhabited. Some online commentators expressed sorrow despite political disagreements, with one stating, "No matter how much I disagreed with Rob Reiner’s politics... no one deserves to go out like this."
Ironically, Reiner's own recent comments on political violence are now being recalled. Just months earlier, he discussed the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk in an interview with Piers Morgan. Reiner called the killing "beyond belief" and stated, "I don’t care what your political beliefs are. That’s not acceptable." He praised Kirk's widow for her message of forgiveness, aligning it with teachings he admired.
The investigation into the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer continues as their family, friends, and fans worldwide mourn an immense and sudden loss.
