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Michelle Obama Breaks Her Silence After Trump Blames The Rob Reiner Tragedy On Fake Syndrome
Michelle Obama speaking with a serious expression during an interview about Rob Reiner tragedy and fake syndrome claims.

Michelle Obama Breaks Her Silence After Trump Blames The Rob Reiner Tragedy On Fake Syndrome

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Michelle Obama has spoken publicly for the first time following President Donald Trump’s decision to blame the stabbing of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, on what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” 

The remark was panned by all sides of the political spectrum, drawing swift backlash as details of the violent crime continued to emerge.

Highlights
  • Michelle Obama revealed she and Barack Obama were set to meet Rob and Michele Reiner hours before their slaying.
  • She addressed Trump blaming the tragedy on Reiner having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
  • The Reiners’ son, Nick, has been arrested without bail and is facing federal charges.

Michelle addressed the tragedy during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday night, revealing that she and former President Barack Obama were scheduled to meet the couple just hours before they were found slain inside their Los Angeles home.

Her words came as outrage spread over Trump’s Truth Social post, which many viewed as an attempt to politicize a family tragedy.

RELATED:

    Michelle Obama broke her silence on Rob Reiner’s passing and Donald Trump’s remarks about it

    Michelle Obama in a teal dress during a late-night talk show interview discussing recent political controversies.

    Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live

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    In a Truth Social post published shortly after news of the homicide broke, Trump claimed that Rob Reiner and his wife passed away “reportedly due to the anger he caused others.”

    He added the incident was caused through what he described as “a massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME.”

    Couple standing outdoors wearing matching black sweatshirts with abstract face designs, relating to Michelle Obama breaking silence.

    Image credits: michelereiner

    Trump went on to describe Reiner as “tortured and struggling,” accusing the actor of having a “raging obsession” with the president and suggesting his outspoken criticism had driven others “CRAZY.”

    The post made no mention of the confirmed homicide investigation, despite authorities already stating that the couple had suffered fatal stab wounds.

    Michelle Obama speaking seriously during a televised interview about the Rob Reiner tragedy and fake syndrome claims.

    Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live

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    The phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” or TDS, has long been used by Trump and his allies as a political insult aimed at critics, but its application to a double homicide was too far.

    “This is seriously distasteful,” one critic wrote as screenshots of the post spread across social media.

    Michelle Obama and Barack Obama smiling together at the 2023 US Open event with colorful tennis posters in the background

    Image credits: michelleobama

    The reaction cut across political lines. 

    Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie called the message “inappropriate and disrespectful,” while Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said bluntly, “This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies.”

    The former FLOTUS revealed that she and her husband were planning to meet the deceased couple that very night

    Barack Obama tweet expressing heartbreak over Rob Reiner tragedy and Michelle Obama's response after Trump’s false claims.

    Image credits: Barack Obama

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    “We’ve known them for many, many years and we were supposed to be seeing them that night,” Michelle told Kimmel. “And we got the news.”

    Michelle did not mince words as she responded to Trump’s characterization of her late friends.

    “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.”

    Comment on social media expressing the need for empathy and compassion every day in response to Michelle Obama and Trump news.

    Group of people sitting outdoors at a round table enjoying a meal, relating to Michelle Obama breaking her silence.

    Image credits: michelereiner

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    She described the couple as people who consistently backed their beliefs with action.

    “What they have always been are passionate people in a time when there’s not a lot of courage going on,” Obama continued. “They’re the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about.”

    Comment praising Rob Reiner’s character and impact, related to Michelle Obama’s response on Rob Reiner tragedy.

    Michelle Obama speaking seriously during a televised interview with a cityscape background at night.

    Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live

    According to Michelle and her husband, those values extended far beyond politics.

    “They cared about their family, and they cared about this country, and they cared about fairness and equity,” she said. “And that is the truth. I do know them.”

    Her comments arrived as Trump doubled down on his remarks. When questioned by reporters in the Oval Office, the President said, “Well, I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump was concerned.”

    “I thought he was very bad for our country,” Trump added, accusing Reiner of pushing the so-called Russia hoax and claiming his political activism damaged his career.

    The couple 32-year-old son, Nick, was arrested in connection to the tragedy

    Comment by user jessicacadle praising a First Lady as classy, with two blue heart emojis.

    Two men smiling and talking outdoors, captured in a candid moment about Michelle Obama and Trump news.

    Image credits: michelereiner

    As the political fallout intensified, investigators continued piecing together the events that led to the passing of Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Singer Reiner, 70.

    Los Angeles Fire Department crews were dispatched to the couple’s $13.5 million Brentwood mansion around 3:30 pm on Sunday after a medical aid call. First responders discovered both victims deceased, later confirming they had been fatally stabbed.

    Comment on social media expressing grief over Rob Reiner tragedy, highlighting genuine smile and good person qualities.

    Law enforcement officers detain a person on the street at night related to Michelle Obama and fake syndrome claims.

    Image credits: FOX 11 Los Angeles

    Their daughter, Romy Reiner, found the bodies and reportedly told officers that a family member “should be a suspect” because they were “dangerous.” She then contacted her father’s longtime friend Billy Crystal, who was seen outside the home visibly shaken alongside his wife, Janice.

    Police have since confirmed that the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, is responsible for the incident.

    Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live

    Dramatic images released Monday night (December 15) showed Nick being arrested at a Los Angeles subway station in Exposition Park, roughly 15 miles from the family home.

    He was taken into custody by the LAPD’s robbery homicide division with assistance from US Marshals.

    Nick started acting erratically during a party at Conan O’Brien’s home, reportedly freaking guests out

    Whoopi Goldberg wearing glasses, speaking passionately about Michelle Obama responding to Trump accusations.

    Image credits: The View

    Investigators also uncovered troubling developments in the hours leading up to the homicides.

    Nick had reportedly attended a holiday party at Conan O’Brien’s home with his parents earlier that evening, where witnesses said he became involved in a very loud argument that unsettled other guests.

    “Nick was freaking everyone out,” a source told People Magazine. “Acting crazy, asking people if they were famous.”

    Comedian speaking on stage at night with quote, Michelle Obama breaks silence after Trump blames Rob Reiner tragedy.

    Image credits: Jimmy Kimmel Live

    Hours later, around 4 am, Nick checked into The Pierside Santa Monica hotel. Staff later discovered a shower “full of blood,” a trail leading from the bed, and a window covered with bedsheets. Witnesses described him as appearing “tweaked out,” and he never checked out.

    Nick is now facing federal homicide charges and is being held without bail. He is scheduled to appear in Superior Court on Tuesday morning.

    “Horrible.” Netizens shared their grief over the passing of the Reiners on social media

    Comment about presidential behavior on social media, reflecting on leadership and sanity in public discourse.

    Comment discussing Michelle Obama reacting to Rob Reiner tragedy amid claims of fake syndrome by Trump.

    Comment by Amy MacGilvray expressing difficulty getting over the Rob Reiner tragedy amid Michelle Obama and Trump controversy.

    Comment from Jen Parker praising Michelle Obama’s confidence and style in a casual social media post.

    Comment expressing condolences to Obamas, reflecting on taking the higher road amid controversy and tragedy.

    Comment praising Michelle Obama as a compassionate human being in a social media post with blue heart emoji.

    Comment by Juanita Brandon offering prayers and thanks for work and decency related to Michelle Obama and Rob Reiner tragedy discussion.

    Comment expressing sadness over the Rob Reiner tragedy and praising him as a powerhouse man.

    Comment screenshot showing a user named Haydn Murdoch criticizing Michelle Obama about her response to Rob Reiner’s tragedy and friendship.

    Facebook comment disputing details related to Rob Reiner tragedy amid Michelle Obama and Trump discussion.

    Comment from user robincoshatt about Rob Reiner and America’s greatness with a broken heart emoji on social media.

    Screenshot of a TikTok comment expressing strong agreement, including a red heart and trophy emoji.

    Screenshot of a social media comment expressing the irony of caring words standing out more in America today with a heart emoji.

    Comment expressing condolences mentioning Michelle Obama’s class and eloquent heart after a tragic loss.

    Comment praising Michelle Obama for her empathy and courage, responding to Trump and Rob Reiner controversy.

    Comment expressing gratitude to Jimmy and Michelle for their courage, referencing Rob Reiner’s impact and tragedy.

    Comment expressing sympathy for a family’s struggle with a*******n after Rob Reiner tragedy accusations by Trump.

    Alt text: Michelle Obama speaking with compassion and courage, responding to Trump on the Rob Reiner tragedy and fake syndrome.

    Comment discussing perspectives following Michelle Obama breaking her silence after Trump blames Rob Reiner tragedy on fake syndrome.

    Comment by user sunsetz2 expressing surprise about Michelle Obama and her husband missing an event last night.

    Comment from dammitchelsey stating Michelle Obama is an absolute icon, related to Michelle Obama and Trump Rob Reiner tragedy.

    Comment expressing sympathy and support mentioning Michelle Obama and Rob Reiner in response to a tragedy.

     

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    Read less »
    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    What do you think ?
    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trumpster is a disease on the earth. We he dies worldwide celebration will break out.

    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Michelle Obama breaks her silence"? Calm down, BP. It was merely 24 hrs since the tragedy. 🙄

    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    1 hour ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure he meant to say Deranged Trump Syndrome because if anyone is deranged...

    Kate Johnson
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trumpster is a disease on the earth. We he dies worldwide celebration will break out.

    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    1 hour ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Michelle Obama breaks her silence"? Calm down, BP. It was merely 24 hrs since the tragedy. 🙄

    KatSaidThat
    Community Member
    1 hour ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure he meant to say Deranged Trump Syndrome because if anyone is deranged...

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