Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene slam Trump over ‘disrespectful’ post on Rob Reiner's killing

WASHINGTON, DC: Reps Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) publicly rebuked President Donald Trump on Monday, December 15, after he posted a provocative message about the killing of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife.

In a Truth Social post, Trump appeared to link the reported killing to Reiner’s alleged outspoken anti-Trump politics, invoking what he called “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”

Trump wrote that Reiner was killed “reportedly due to the anger he caused others,” adding that the filmmaker had driven people “CRAZY” through what Trump described as an obsessive fixation on him.

The post quickly drew criticism across the political spectrum, with even some of Trump’s allies calling the remarks inappropriate.

Thomas Massie calls Trump's post ‘inappropriate and disrespectful’

Massie shared Trump’s post and sharply criticized its tone, saying it crossed a basic line of decency.

“Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered,” Massie wrote. 

“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,” he added.

Massie’s comments stood out as one of the strongest rebukes from within Trump’s own party.

Marjorie Taylor Greene echoes Thomas Massie’s criticism

Greene echoed Massie’s criticism, urging compassion and rejecting any attempt to politicize the deaths.

“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,” Greene wrote.

“This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies,” she added. Greene emphasized that many families struggle with addiction and mental health crises and said such situations should be met with empathy, “especially when it ends in murder.”

Greene, who is set to retire from Congress next month, has previously cited death threats and harassment, including fallout after Trump labeled her a “traitor,” as reasons for stepping away from politics.

Rep Mike Lawler, R-NY, also said, "This statement is wrong. Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence, let alone at the hands of their own son. It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in our country, period."

Criticism was not limited to elected officials. Conservative radio host Erick Erickson also condemned Trump’s post, saying that it reflected behavior that alienated even loyal supporters.

“A Trump-supporting relative last night told me he was getting tired of the president and wished he’d just disappear a bit,” Erickson wrote. “This is the sort of stuff that exhausts people who like the man.”

Democratic leaders also weighed in. California Gov Gavin Newsom responded bluntly on X, writing, “This is a sick man.”

Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday.