Trump Mocks Death of Anti-Trump Director on Social Media
Critics Note Contrast With Reactions to Kirk's Killing
Republicans Also Voice "Inappropriate and Disrespectful" Criticism
Donald Trump, President of the United States, is facing intense backlash after posting a mocking comment suggesting that the deaths of renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife were their own fault, shortly after news broke of their murder.
On December 15 (local time), President Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, about the Reiners' deaths, claiming it was "the result of the anger Reiner provoked in others." He went on to sarcastically attribute the cause to "his massive, stubborn, and incurable obsession brought on by a disease known as 'Trump Derangement Syndrome,' or TDS, which paralyzes rational thinking."
Director Reiner was found dead from stab wounds along with his wife, Michelle Singer Reiner, at their home in Los Angeles (LA) the previous afternoon. Police have arrested the couple's son, Nick (32), who was previously known to have struggled with drug addiction, as a suspect and are currently investigating. Director Reiner was acclaimed for directing masterpieces such as "When Harry Met Sally," "Misery," and "A Few Good Men," and was a well-known supporter of the Democratic Party.
Trump's remarks, targeting the fact that Reiner had been critical of him during his lifetime, have drawn criticism from various quarters. In particular, observers have pointed out the inconsistency of Trump supporters, who had previously condemned Democrats and the left for allegedly mocking the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in September, now that Trump himself is making similarly callous comments about the Reiners' deaths.
In fact, just hours before President Trump's post, right-wing commentator Jack Posobiec had claimed, "There won't be any conservatives celebrating the horrific murder of Rob Reiner and his wife," arguing that the right was morally superior. His position quickly became awkward. CNN noted that "the tables have suddenly turned," and pointed out that it was President Trump himself who made the mocking remarks about the tragic deaths.
Even within the Republican Party, there was rare criticism, with some calling Trump's comments "inappropriate and disrespectful."
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie stated, "Regardless of one's feelings about Reiner, making such comments about someone who was brutally murdered is inappropriate and disrespectful," adding, "Will my Republican colleagues, the Vice President, and White House staff just ignore this out of fear?"
Republican Congressman Don Bacon told CNN in an interview, "That's the kind of thing you'd expect to hear from a drunk in a bar, not the President of the United States."
Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent pro-Trump figure whose relationship with Trump has recently soured, also commented on the Reiners' deaths, saying, "This is a family tragedy, and it has nothing to do with politics or political opponents."
However, there are predictions that this criticism is unlikely to spread as the mainstream opinion within the Republican Party, and that support for President Trump will likely continue for the time being.
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