Donald Trump is facing intense criticism after a late-night Truth Social post about the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner triggered outrage across the political spectrum and renewed concerns about the former president’s judgment.
Reiner and his wife were reportedly killed by their son, who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Instead of offering condolences, Trump used the tragedy to launch a political attack, blaming Reiner’s death on what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The remarks were widely condemned as insensitive and inappropriate, especially given the circumstances surrounding the case.
According to Trump biographer Michael Wolff, the post has unsettled people close to Trump as well. Speaking on the Inside Trump’s Head podcast, Wolff said a White House insider reacted with visible unease, suggesting Trump may be pushing the limits of what even his own aides are willing to tolerate. Wolff noted that while few insiders are willing to openly question a sitting president’s mental fitness, many are quietly drawing their own conclusions based on Trump’s public behavior.
Criticism also came from within Trump’s own party. Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie publicly rebuked the comments, calling them “inappropriate and disrespectful” in light of the brutal nature of the crime. Massie went further, challenging fellow Republicans, the vice president, and White House staff to defend the remarks rather than ignore them out of fear.
Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down the following day, reiterating his claim that Reiner had been “very bad for our country,” offering no indication of regret or restraint.
Trump has long rejected any suggestion that he suffers from cognitive or physical health problems, frequently portraying such claims as politically motivated attacks. However, episodes like this continue to fuel debate about his temperament, judgment, and fitness for leadership concerns that are no longer limited to Democrats or media critics, but are increasingly voiced by conservatives and Republicans themselves.
As public scrutiny intensifies, the episode underscores a growing reality: Trump’s rhetoric is no longer just alienating his opponents, but is also testing the patience of allies who are uneasy about the direction of his leadership and its consequences for the country.
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