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Obamas Missed Meeting as Son Charged; Trump’s Controversial Remarks Fuel Backlash

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Rob and Michele Reiner Discovered Stabbed in Los Angeles Home Police entered the Reiners’ Southern California residence Sunday night and found the veteran director and his wife dead, both with multiple stab wounds. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department classified the scene as an apparent homicide and began a forensic investigation. Authorities released no motive and emphasized that the case remains under active investigation. Multiple outlets confirmed the stabbing and homicide designation[1][5].

Nick Reiner Arrested, Charged with Two Counts of First‑Degree Murder Investigators took the couple’s 32‑year‑old son, Nick Reiner, into custody hours after the bodies were discovered. Prosecutors plan to file two first‑degree murder counts with a weapon‑enhancement provision, and a $4 million bail was set in several reports. Some sources noted he was held without bail, reflecting differing procedural details. The arrest and charges were reported across all nine articles[1][4].

Michelle Obama Confirmed Planned Evening Visit That Night During a Jimmy Kimmel Live! interview, Michelle Obama said she and former President Barack Obama had arranged to see the Reiners that Sunday, a meeting that never occurred because the couple were found dead. She described the Reiners as “the most decent, courageous people” and emphasized they were not “deranged or crazed.” Barack Obama later posted a condolence message on X, expressing sympathy for the family. These statements were echoed by both local and national outlets[1][3].

Trump Blames Death on “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and Political Opposition On Truth Social, former President Donald Trump claimed the murders resulted from the Reiners’ outspoken criticism of him, invoking the term “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” He described Rob Reiner as “tortured and struggling” and linked the killing to a “mind‑crippling disease.” Law enforcement officials have not indicated any political motive, and investigators have not substantiated Trump’s allegation. The claim and its lack of evidence were highlighted in several reports[5][8].

Wide‑Ranging Backlash Targets Trump’s Post from GOP Members and Celebrities Republican lawmakers including Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Lawler, and Stephanie Bice publicly rebuked Trump’s remarks as inappropriate. Celebrities such as Patrick Schwarzenegger, Whoopi Goldberg, and journalist Piers Morgan condemned the comment as “disgusting” and “vile.” Former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis also labeled the post “unacceptable.” The collective criticism underscored bipartisan disapproval of politicizing a homicide[5][4].

Sources

Timeline

2018 – Former President Donald Trump publicly criticizes Senator John McCain after McCain’s death, echoing a pattern of posthumous attacks that later resurfaces in his comments on the Reiner murders[7].

2020 – Trump remains silent on former Vice President Dick Cheney’s death, a contrast highlighted by journalists noting his selective use of mourning to advance political narratives[7].

Dec 15, 2025 – Police discover veteran director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele dead in their Los Angeles home; investigators label the scene an “apparent homicide” with stab wounds suspected[4].

Dec 15, 2025 – Los Angeles authorities arrest their 32‑year‑old son, Nick Reiner, on two counts of first‑degree murder; a $4 million bond is set and he is booked without bail (Booking No. 7144668)[3].

Dec 15, 2025 – Trump posts on Truth Social blaming the killings on “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME,” describing Reiner as “tortured and struggling” and calling him “deranged”[5].

Dec 15, 2025 – In an Oval Office briefing, Trump reiterates his stance, saying he is “not a fan” of Reiner and labeling the director a “deranged person” while dismissing criticism from fellow Republicans[3].

Dec 15, 2025 – Prominent GOP figures, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Thomas Massie, issue statements condemning Trump’s remarks as “inappropriate” and “disrespectful toward a murder victim”[4][5].

Dec 15, 2025 – Democratic and independent leaders, as well as media commentators, denounce Trump’s post; California Governor Gavin Newsom calls him “a sick man,” while Sage Steele, Tim Pool and Erick Erickson label the comment “disappointing” and “unnecessary”[3].

Dec 16, 2025 – Michelle Obama appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live, confirming the Obamas had a scheduled meeting with the Reiners that night and praising them as “the most decent, courageous people you will ever want to know”[1][6].

Dec 16, 2025 – Former President Barack Obama posts a condolence message on X, honoring Rob Reiner’s film legacy and the couple’s “purpose‑driven lives”[6][8].

Dec 16, 2025 – Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office schedules a case‑presentation hearing for the same day, moving the investigation forward toward formal charges[1].

Dec 16, 2025 – A wave of celebrity backlash erupts: Patrick Schwarzenegger calls Trump’s statement “disgusting and vile,” Whoopi Goldberg says she is “shamed,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren brands Trump a “hateful man,” and journalist Piers Morgan urges deletion of the post[2].

Dec 16, 2025 – The White House’s official account reposts Trump’s controversial message without comment, prompting criticism that the administration is amplifying a “sickening” narrative[5].

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