U.S. President Donald Trump has refused to retract remarks he made about Hollywood director Rob Reiner hours after the filmmaker was murdered alongside his wife on Sunday.
Despite an outpouring of condolences, Trump suggested Reiner died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others” through what he called “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME,” a comment that drew immediate criticism.
The president’s post on Truth Social sparked bipartisan backlash, with critics describing it as insensitive and inappropriate.
Former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis said the remarks were unbecoming, especially given Trump’s experience as a survivor of assassination attempts. However, when asked if he regretted the statement, Trump said he stood by his words.
“I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person, as far as Trump is concerned,” Trump told journalists, accusing Reiner of promoting false claims about Russian influence. He added, “He became deranged—Trump Derangement Syndrome… I thought he was very bad for our country,” comments Republicans and Democrats alike have condemned.