Former US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy by appearing to link the death of prominent Hollywood director and critic Rob Reiner to what he calls 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'. The remarks were made in a post on his Truth Social platform this week.
Trump's Controversial Social Media Statement
In his post, Trump described Reiner, who was found murdered alongside his wife Michele, as a 'once very talented movie director and comedy star'. He then made the incendiary claim that Reiner had passed away 'reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction' with a 'mind crippling disease'. Trump explicitly identified this alleged condition as TDS, an acronym for Trump Derangement Syndrome.
This political term is frequently employed by right-wing supporters to describe what they perceive as an irrational and extreme hatred of the Republican leader. The post represents a significant escalation in Trump's rhetoric, directly connecting a critic's tragic death to their political opposition.
Reiner's History as a Vocal Trump Critic
The context for Trump's attack lies in Rob Reiner's long-standing and very public criticism of the former President. Over several years, the director of films like 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'A Few Good Men' had been an outspoken voice against Trump.
Reiner repeatedly labelled Trump as 'mentally unfit' for office and accused him of displaying autocratic tendencies. His critiques were a regular feature in media interviews and on his own social media channels, making him a notable figure among the 'Never Trump' movement within Hollywood and beyond.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Poll
The shocking nature of Trump's comments, made in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime, has ignited a fierce debate about the boundaries of political discourse. It raises questions about the appropriateness of attacking a murder victim's politics.
The Daily Mail is now asking readers for their verdict on this incident. Our latest poll poses the question: do you think Trump was wrong to attack the murdered filmmaker's politics and accuse him of having a 'mind-crippling disease'?
This follows yesterday's poll regarding the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, which saw an overwhelming response. Out of 373 total votes, a decisive 91% of readers voted 'yes' to scrapping the ban, with only 9% opposed.
The reaction to Trump's Truth Social post underscores the deeply polarised nature of current political debate, where personal tragedy is increasingly drawn into the fray.
