Mike Johnson avoids Trump's Rob Reiner remarks, says he is focused on other 'very important issues'

WASHINGTON, DC: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson declined to condemn controversial remarks made by President Trump about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. 

The film director and his wife were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood home on Sunday, December 14. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested in connection with the killings.

Mike Johnson avoids commenting on Trump’s remarks 

At the Capitol on Monday, December 15, when Johnson was pressed by reporters about Trump’s social media post, he declined to weigh in, choosing instead to redirect attention to legislative priorities.

CNN’s Manu Raju and The Independent’s Eric Michael Garcia asked Johnson directly for his reaction to Trump’s remarks.

Raju prompted him, "Mr Speaker, do you condemn Trump's post about Rob Reiner?"

He followed up, "What are your thoughts about what President Trump said about Rob Reiner at his press conference today?"

Johnson avoided engaging with the controversy, responding, "I don't do ongoing commentary about everything that's said by everybody in government every day."

Emphasizing policy over political disputes, he added, "We are trying to bring down healthcare costs for the American people. There are very important votes, very important issues, and that's what we're focused on."

Raju, noting internal party criticism, then said, "A lot of your members are criticizing him."

Johnson, as he walked away, replied, "I gave commentary this morning, and you all heard it."

Trump's remarks on Rob Reiner's death spark outrage

Trump’s post about the tragedy sparked swift and bipartisan condemnation. Instead of offering condolences, he implied that Rob's vocal criticism of him was linked to their deaths.

He wrote that Rob had "driven people CRAZY" with what he called "Trump Derangement Syndrome," a phrase he often uses about his critics.

Rob, a well-known filmmaker and outspoken critic of Trump, was widely recognized for his work in Hollywood and political advocacy. 

The president’s comments were criticized by Republican Reps Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Massie, in a post, stated, "This is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered. I guess my elected GOP colleagues, the VP, and White House staff will just ignore it because they’re afraid? I challenge anyone to defend it."

Greene reminded everyone that "Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had d**g addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak."

Urging compassion over political rhetoric, she said, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies. Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy — especially when it ends in murder.”