In brief
In light of the tragic deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele, Donald Trump has reignited controversy with his remarks labeling Reiner as detrimental to the country. This has drawn condemnation from both sides of the political aisle, as well as calls for respect amid the ongoing investigation that has led to the arrest of their son on murder charges. Critics argue that Trump’s comments are inappropriate given the circumstances surrounding the couple's deaths.
US President Donald Trump has repeated his criticism of Rob Reiner - after his earlier remarks about the killed Hollywood director, a longtime Trump critic, sparked widespread condemnation.
The US president told reporters the director was 'very bad for our country', having earlier written on Truth Social that Reiner's death was linked to 'Trump derangement syndrome' - a term he often uses to describe his critics.
Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday, and police have arrested their son Nick on suspicion of murder.
They have not suggested any motive in the case, or any evidence that Reiner's politics and criticism of Trump played any role.
In his social media post, which called the couple's deaths 'very sad', Trump criticised Reiner, saying: 'He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump.'
Those comments were widely criticised, including by prominent Republicans.
Kentucky representative Thomas Massie wrote on X: 'Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered.'
Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene said that 'this is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies' and that the murders should be 'met with empathy'.
Trump has in the past been known to critique political foes following their deaths, including controversial remarks made about John McCain.
Rob Reiner, a prominent liberal activist and director known for iconic films, was married to Michele. The couple had three children together.
