U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, has issued a sharp rebuke of President Donald Trump's response to the tragic killing of film director Rob Reiner, stating she has "no words for where we are in this country."
A Controversial Statement from the President
In an interview with political commentator Brian Tyler Cohen posted on Monday, December 15, 2025, Crockett addressed a social media post made by President Trump earlier that day. The president commented on the deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele, who were found stabbed in their Los Angeles-area home on Sunday. Authorities have booked their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the deaths.
Trump claimed the famed "A Few Good Men" director and his wife died "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." The president later doubled down, stating plainly, "I wasn’t a fan of his at all."
Crockett's Critique: Fanning Flames and a 'Permission Structure'
Congresswoman Crockett argued that Trump's remarks represent a profound failure of leadership at a moment of tragedy. "That is a problem," she told Cohen. "As we are sitting here saying, 'Hey, let’s denounce political violence,' he continues to kind of fan these flames, or send these messages that, if it’s on behalf of this, then it’s completely understandable."
She expressed disbelief that such a comment could be made "after a tragic death, before having any information," and criticized the underlying message. "The idea that you’re like, 'Yeah, it’s basically because he was anti-MAGA'... it’s almost like you’re giving a pass for it," Crockett said. She warned this creates a dangerous "permission structure" where violence against political opponents is tacitly justified.
Hypocrisy and National Concern
When asked if Trump's post undermined any moral high ground sought by the political right following the recent killing of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, Crockett called it "yet just another example" of the president's hypocrisy. "But honestly, besides the hypocrisy, it’s just kind of disgusting," she argued.
Crockett questioned the president's judgment and the implications for the nation's future. "I just can’t imagine that anyone, whether you’re the president or not, would take this type of moment and let that be the conclusion that you come to," she stated. The congresswoman concluded with a grave reflection on the country's direction under Trump's leadership: "It makes me wonder more about, like, where is our country headed, and how bad of a shape are we in with him at the helm."
In a related post on the social media platform X, Congresswoman Crockett summarized her position, writing: "The sitting President of the United States looked at the death of Rob Reiner and decided it was an opportunity to 'score' political points... This is not a campaign rally. There is no limit to how low he..."
