First Public Comments
Michelle Obama spoke publicly for the first time following President Donald Trump’s controversial claim that the stabbing deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were caused by what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” The remark drew swift backlash across the political spectrum as details of the homicide continued to emerge.
During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live Monday night, Michelle revealed that she and former President Barack Obama were scheduled to meet the couple just hours before they were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
“We’ve known them for many, many years and we were supposed to be seeing them that night,” Michelle told Kimmel. “And then we got the news.”
Condemning Trump’s Remarks
Trump had posted on Truth Social, claiming the Reiners died “reportedly due to the anger he caused others” and describing the couple as suffering from a “massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction” he labeled Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). He further accused Reiner of having a “raging obsession” with him.
Michelle Obama condemned the remarks as distasteful and inappropriate.
“Let me just say this, unlike some people, Rob and Michele Reiner are some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know,” she said to loud applause. “They’re not deranged or crazed.”
She praised the couple for backing their beliefs with action, saying they cared deeply about family, country, fairness, and equity.
The comments drew widespread support across party lines. Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie called Trump’s post “inappropriate and disrespectful,” while Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene added, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.”
The Tragedy Unfolds
Rob, 78, and Michele, 70, were found fatally stabbed at their $13.5 million Brentwood home after a medical aid call around 3:30 pm on Sunday, December 14. Their daughter, Romy Reiner, discovered the bodies and reported a family member as a potential suspect.
Investigators confirmed the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, is responsible. Dramatic images showed Nick being arrested at a Los Angeles subway station by LAPD officers with assistance from U.S. Marshals. He is now held without bail and faces federal homicide charges, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday morning.
Disturbing Events Before the Crime
Witnesses said Nick attended a holiday party at Conan O’Brien’s home earlier that evening, acting erratically and alarming guests. Hours later, he checked into a Santa Monica hotel, where staff discovered a shower “full of blood” and other troubling evidence.
Michelle Obama’s Call for Respect
Michelle’s remarks arrived amid growing outrage over Trump’s attempt to politicize the tragedy. She urged the public to focus on the Reiners’ legacy, honoring their courage, decency, and commitment to their beliefs, rather than the political controversy sparked after their deaths.
“They cared about their family, and they cared about this country, and they cared about fairness and equity. And that is the truth. I do know them,” Michelle said.
