The Obamas Were Supposed To See The Reiners On The Day Of Their Deaths, Michelle Says
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BreakingBusinessThe Obamas Were Supposed To See The Reiners On The Day Of Their Deaths, Michelle SaysByConor Murray,Forbes Staff. Murray is a Forbes news reporter covering entertainment trends.Follow AuthorDec 16, 2025, 08:26am ESTDec 16, 2025, 09:22am ESTToplineMichelle Obama said she and her husband, former president Barack Obama, were supposed to meet longtime friends, director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, the day they were killed, while defending them from President Donald Trump’s post that mocked Reiner as having “Trump derangement syndrome.” Former first lady Michelle Obama said she and her husband, former president Barack Obama, were supposed to see the Reiners the day they were found dead. (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsObama said on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” she and her husband had known Rob and Michele Reiner for “many years” and said they had plans before Los Angeles police discovered the couple dead in their Brentwood home Sunday, which resulted in the arrest of the Reiner’s 32-year-old son Nick on suspicion of murder. Obama praised the Reiners as “some of the most decent, courageous people you ever want to know” and defended them against President Donald Trump’s incendiary post that suggested Rob Reiner was killed for his “mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”“They are not deranged or crazed,” Obama said of the Reiners, who were longtime Democrats and champions of liberal causes, praising them as “passionate people” who “cared about this country and they cared about fairness and equity.”On Sunday, Barack Obama was one of many politicians and celebrities to pay tribute to Reiner on social media, stating the accomplished director “gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen” and that the couple will be remembered for the “values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”What Did Trump Say About Rob Reiner?Trump said in a Monday morning post on Truth Social a “very sad thing happened in Hollywood,” referring to Reiner’s death, before bizarrely suggesting his death was caused by “his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.” Trump said Reiner had “driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump” and said his “obvious paranoia” was heightened during Trump’s second presidency. Trump doubled down hours later, telling a reporter: “Well, I wasn't a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned,” adding Reiner was “very bad for our country.” Reiner was a longtime liberal activist, championing causes like same-sex marriage and campaigning for Democratic candidates. Trump’s remarks sparked immediate backlash from many politicians, including some Republicans. Rep.
Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is increasingly a Trump critic, said the Reiners’ death is a “family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.” Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said Trump “should have said nothing” and that the post distracts from his agenda. Read MoreGot a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video