Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District that includes part of Westchester and Rockland, has joined a growing chorus of Republican and other voices condemning what President Trump said in response to the news that actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered.
With no evidence to back up his claim, Trump stated in an internet post that Reiner was killed because of his anti-Trump views. Trump also denigrated Reiner’s talents and heaped personal scorn on him in the internet post.
Los Angeles police have taken into custody Reiner’s son Nick and were holding him on on murder charges with bail set at $4 million. Nick Reiner, age 32, has a history of drug abuse. A few years ago, Rob Reiner and Nick Reiner created a documentary together that explored their relationship and Nick’s drug problems.
In his internet message, Trump claimed that Reiner had a “massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession with President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness…”
Trump called Reiner a “tortured and struggling, but once very talented director and comedy star.”
Lawler reacted to what Trump said by saying, “This statement is wrong. Regardless of one’s political views, no one should be subjected to violence, let alone at the hands of their own son. It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in our country, period.”
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky said, “Regardless of how you felt about Rob Reiner, this is inappropriate and disrespectful discourse about a man who was just brutally murdered. I guess my elected GOP colleagues, the VP, and White House staff will just ignore it because they’re afraid? I challenge anyone to defend it.”
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, reacted to Trump’s statement by saying, “Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak. This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies. Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It’s incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder.”
Jenna Ellis, a conservative lawyer and former senior legal advisor for Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign said of Trump’s statement, “A man and his wife were murdered last night. This is NOT the appropriate response. The Right uniformly condemned political and celebratory responses to Charlie Kirk’s death. This is a horrible example from Trump (and surprising considering the two attempts on his own life) and should be condemned by everyone with any decency.”
Fox News contributor Joe Concha called Trump’s comment “totally inappropriate.” Alex Stone, a MAGA commentator, said Trump should delete what he wrote.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said about Trump, “This is a sick man.”
California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren said, “Rob Reiner was a beloved Californian who always used his platform to make the world better. Donald Trump making light of him and his wife’s murders is a new low for this petty, hateful man. His party needs to condemn this.”
Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said of Trump, “He’s just lost it.”
