Trump links Rob and Michele Reiner’s deaths to 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

Donald Trump’s Truth Social post described Rob Reiner as 'tortured and struggling' and linked his passing to a political obsession with him
UPDATED DEC 15, 2025
President Donald Trump claimed that Rob Reiner’s 'paranoia' regarding him had escalated, saying that it grew as his administration achieved greatness (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump claimed that Rob Reiner’s 'paranoia' regarding him had escalated, saying that it grew as his administration achieved greatness (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump commented on the tragic deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele, on Monday, December 15. 

In a Truth Social post, the president wrote that the actor and his wife, Michele, passed away, "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, sometimes referred to as TDS."

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

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the Congressional Ball at the Grand Foyer of the White House on December 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump hosted congressional members at the White House to celebrate the holiday season. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump delivers remarks during the Congressional Ball at the Grand Foyer of the White House on December 11, 2025, in Washington, DC (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Trump claims Rob Reiner had a ‘raging obsession’ with him

Donald Trump addressed Rob Reiner’s death in a Truth Social post and termed it a “very sad thing.”

He described the ‘When Harry Met Sally’ director as a “tortured and struggling” individual who was once a “very talented movie director and comedy star.”

Trump added that the couple reportedly passed away due to the “anger” Reiner caused others due to “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” 

Rob Reiner, wife Michele Singer and daughter Rony Reiner attend the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night Gala And 30th Anniversary Screening Of
Rob Reiner, wife Michele Singer and daughter Romy Reiner attend the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival Opening Night Gala and 30th Anniversary Screening of 'When Harry Met Sally' - Arrivals at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 11, 2019, in Hollywood, California (Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

"He was known to have driven people crazy by his raging obsession of President Donald J Trump," he continued.

President Trump further stated that Rob Reiner’s “obvious paranoia” had reached new heights as the Trump administration passed “all goals and expectations” of greatness.

He added that America was set to reach the “Golden age” as it had never reached before. “May Rob and Michele rest in peace!” the post concluded. 

Rob Reiber and Michele Singer Reiner attends the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner attend the 2018 White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 28, 2018, in Washington, DC (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Tributes pour in for Rob and Michele Reiner

People from different walks of life paid tribute to the deceased couple. Actress Kathy Bates described Rob as a “brilliant” artist who changed her life.

While speaking to NBC News, she said that she was “horrified” and “absolutely devastated.” She further praised Michele Reiner and called her a “gifted photographer.”

Kevin Nealon released a statement about the Reiners’ passing and said that he was “grateful” for what Rob made and what the couple “gave the world.”

Ben Stiller called Rob Reiner a “kind, caring person” who was “really fun” and made “some of the most formative” movies for his generation.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a Democracy Forum event held by the Obama Foundation at the Javits Center on November 17, 2022 in New York City. The all day event featured speakers from a variety of backgrounds conversing on the state of global democracy and opportunities for the next generation of global leaders. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Former President Barack Obama speaks at a Democracy Forum event held by the Obama Foundation at the Javits Center on November 17, 2022, in New York City (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Several political leaders also commented on the director’s passing, including former President Barack Obama.

He said that he and Michelle Obama were “heartbroken” by the “tragic passing” of the couple. He added that the director’s achievements gave people “some of our most cherished” stories on screen.

“They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired,” the former president added. 

Nancy Pelosi called the couple’s passing “devastating” and termed Rob “creative, funny, and beloved.” She called Michele Reiner his “indispensable partner,” an intellectual resource,” and a loving wife. 

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