• Trump criticized filmmaker Rob Reiner and linked his death to “Trump derangement syndrome.”
• His comments drew widespread condemnation from Republicans and Democrats alike.
• The Reiners’ son has been arrested on suspicion of murder, intensifying the tragedy.
• Critics pointed out Trump's lack of empathy and how previous remarks have mirrored these insensitivities.
• Trump remains defiant, reiterating his criticism of Reiner even amid backlash.

US President Donald Trump is under fire for comments he made suggesting that filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were somehow responsible for their own deaths due to “Trump derangement syndrome.” Following their tragic killing, the couple's son, Nick Reiner, was arrested on suspicion of murder, which further escalated the outrage over Trump's remarks. Critics, including prominent Republicans, described the President's comments as "perverse" and “sick," indicating a lack of empathy during a family tragedy, according to SCMP and BBC.

Trump continued to defend his remarks about Reiner, whom he labeled “very bad for our country.” His initial post on Truth Social stated that Reiner’s death was linked to his obsession with Trump, which drew widespread criticism for its insensitivity. Republican representatives like Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene condemned the remarks, calling them inappropriate and insensitive given the nature of the circumstances, as expressed in responses reported by The Hill and SCMP.

The backlash from within Trump’s own party has been notable, as many members have distanced themselves from his comments. Senator John Kennedy remarked that a wise man "once said nothing," suggesting Trump should have refrained from commenting. Trump's remarks have also reignited discussions about his previous comments regarding deceased political figures, further drawing parallels to his responses to challenges he faces, according to BBC and The Hill.

Moreover, critics note the inconsistency between Trump's current rhetoric and his previous attitudes towards the deaths of political opponents. Observants have pointed to his past comments following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as evidence of ongoing patterns in Trump’s behavior. Notably, some commentators suggest that rather than solidifying his political support, such comments might be detracting from it, as highlighted by Republican donor Dan Eberhart, who commented on the diversion from policy discussions, according to The Hill.

Despite the backlash, Trump seemed unfazed and reiterated his critical stance on Reiner when speaking to reporters, asserting that he believed Reiner was a “deranged person.” This controversy has elicited reactions not only from the political arena but also from cultural commentators who decry the lack of sympathy and exaggerated political rhetoric in times of tragedy, as reported by SCMP, BBC, and The Hill.