When Tragedy Strikes, Should the President Rise Above Politics?
There are moments in politics that test not just our beliefs, but our consistency. Moments when outrage is easy, but reflection is harder. The killing of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, is one of those moments. Before anything else is said, it needs to be said clearly: this was a horrific tragedy. Two lives were violently taken, and a family has been shattered. From all of us at Steadfast and Loyal, we extend our sincere condolences to the Reiner family and to everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.
What happened next, however, turned a moment of national tragedy into a political flashpoint—and that is where I want to pause and ask you, our readers, many of whom are strong Trump supporters like I am, an honest question.
When conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated earlier this year, we were rightly enraged by the reaction from parts of the left. Some minimized the violence. Others mocked it. A few even celebrated it. We said—correctly—that political hatred has consequences, that rhetoric matters, and that no matter how much you disagree with someone, responding to death with cruelty or justification is wrong. We demanded moral clarity. So the question now is uncomfortable, but necessary: do we hold ourselves to the same standard when the victim is someone we deeply disagreed with?
President Trump’s response to Rob Reiner’s death did not follow the familiar script of presidential condolences, and it immediately drew attention for that reason. For full context, here is the president’s exact post as it was widely reported:
“A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his 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 of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace!”
I want to be honest about where I stand personally. I did not like Rob Reiner’s political activism. I thought much of it was driven almost entirely by Trump Derangement Syndrome. His rhetoric toward President Trump was often extreme, obsessive, and unfair. I disagreed with him strongly and publicly. None of that has changed, and none of that needs to be walked back.
At the same time, I can hold another truth alongside that disagreement: the president had an opportunity here that was not just moral, but strategic. Ironically, taking the high road would have been political in the best sense of the word. A brief acknowledgment of the tragedy—without endorsing Rob Reiner’s views—would have made it far more difficult for his opponents to attack him, and far easier for his supporters to defend him. Saying that two people were lost, that violence is unacceptable, and that political differences do not justify cruelty would not have weakened his presidency or his agenda. It would have strengthened it. It would have demonstrated maturity, restraint, and grace—qualities that don’t betray strength, but often reinforce it in moments like this.
This is where supporting Donald Trump becomes difficult for many Republicans, even those who strongly back his policies. You can believe Trump was right on the border, right on trade, right on foreign policy, and right about the media—while still acknowledging that his instinct to fight every battle, even in moments of death, comes at a cost. Authenticity is a strength. But timing matters. So does tone. And so does consistency.
I also want to acknowledge something that should not be controversial but often is: Rob Reiner contributed meaningful work to American culture. A Few Good Men remains one of the most powerful courtroom dramas ever made. The Princess Bride is beloved across generations. Appreciating someone’s art does not require endorsing their politics, just as condemning their politics should not require erasing their humanity.
So I’m not writing this to tell you what to think. I’m writing this to ask a question—and to ask it honestly.
If we were outraged by cruel and politicized reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, should we be comfortable when the same impulse appears on our side? Should the president of the United States, in moments of tragedy, aim to unify rather than escalate? And can we support Trump’s agenda while still wishing he chose a higher road in moments like this?
I believe those questions deserve thoughtful answers, not reflexive ones.
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
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I did not like Rob Reiner’s politics, but he was a very gifted director, making some incredible movies. If I am able to separate his political activism from the sad and violent death of him and his wife, I expect that and so much more from my president. I’m also able to separate Trump’s successes from his failures, but it’s wearing on me, and many others, I’m sure. Shame on President Trump for stooping this low and making this story about himself.
I agree. While I generally love his tweets, I felt this one was unnecessary and over the top. Condolences and condemning the crime was all that was necessary. We need to draw the line and not step over it ourselves. Personally I detested Rob Reiner; but that doesn’t mean I wished him harm. Rather, I wished he, along with many other left wingers, would either get over their Trump hatred and just move on, or just keep their hatred to themselves. But, in this case, I also wish Trump would have moderated his tone. I am sorry for anyone who dies as a result of this type of violence, and wish it would stop. There is so much mental illness around right now, and too many who are acting out as a result, harming way too many people, and it has to stop. But this kind of statement also needs to stop.
It’s ok when the left calls Trump every name in the book. But if Trump fights back, it’s not ok. I would have preferred Trump being the bigger man and not commented at all. No one deserves to be killed by his own son. That is the tragedy.
Thanks Jane – well said
There is a vast difference between the simple common decency of those of us on the political right, and the anti-American values of the left. This is the reason we expect that President Trump should have taken the high road in response to the Reiner killings. However, the response to the murder of Charlie Kirk by the political left was in keeping with their lack of common decency. We should not expect anything resembling humanity from them.
Excuse me, but I read in another post all the horrendous things Rob Reiner had said about Trump, not the least of which was pushing the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax and accusing Trump of all sorts of atrocities. Had the shoe been on the other foot, there is little doubt that not only would Reiner not call it “A very sad thing” that happened, neither would Reiner have said “rest in peace.”
So I firmly stand with Trump. I realize the usual stance is “don’t speak ill of the dead” but there are exceptions.
Why is it a controversy ??? President Trump was right ,,,,,,,,, Rob Reiner was a loudmouth , liberal degenerate !!!!! He hated our 2nd Amendment and once said ,,,, EVERY gun owner should have to turn in all their guns ,, even collectors !!!! So yes ,,, asswipe Rob Reiners was a danger to our country !!!!!!!!!!
ABSOLUTELY! While it is SAD that he was killed, his filthy mouth spurred a LOT of violence! His filthy mouth mocked Charlie Kirk’s death!
Our President and his family have suffered a lot at the hands of people like Rob Reiner. I have seen some of the vitriol Rob Reiner spewed at President Trump. His words were vicious. I can understand why President Trump reacted the way he did. In fact, I might have been tempted to spell it all out not nearly as nicely as our President did. People need to realize that President Trump is human; he has feelings just like everyone else. Diplomacy is great, but there comes a time with all of us when we just can take no more of the hatred and abuse. Something has to give, and it seems this was one of those times. I don’t applaud President Trump’s words, but I don’t condemn them, either. He has every right and reason to feel the way he does.
Excuse me, but Trump was being generous to say, “A very sad thing happened last night…” and “May Rob and Michele rest in peace!” – if the shoe had been on the other foot, it is doubtful Trump would have received the same courtesy.
I agree and its without question that trump would not have received the same courtesy. My question and point is, could he and should he have risen above all of it.
Hey, I too over reacted and made a harsher reply about Reiner’s death that I regretted posting on this site. But Reiner was way off base in many (most) things he raged about politically. However, it is wrong to celebrate the tragedy that befell this family….. And all the A-holes who celebrated the murder of Charlie Kirk were more vile than anything I’ve seen on the Reiner murders. Both sides need to show more compassion in these kinds of tragic situations! Words have meaning and can/do cause violence (witness the entire world these past several years)!! President Trump should have just reframed from making any comments! But that’s not his MO……
Thanks Buzz – well said. And, I’m glad you stuck with us on Steadfastandloyal We appreciate it!
I agree with you, however, we have to remember, Trump is not a politician. He is a businessman and is use to saying what he wants, when he wants. I wished in his first term, he would have shut his mouth many times but let’s face it, that is not going to happen!
The leftist Politian’s have never risen above tragedy. I say turnabout is fair play. The leftist like to act high and mighty when it is one of their own but take every opportunity to cause tragedy for the conservatives and Trump!
You can’t play nice with evil! Those who give should receive. Silence isn’t golden. When you get hit, hit back harder. Aggressors have always thrived on appeasement. Respect must be earned. Talk is cheap!