Hollywood faced a jolt of grief on Sunday, December 14. Police found filmmaker Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele, 68, dead at their Brentwood home. Soon after, authorities arrested the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, 32, on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody while investigators review the case.

As tributes spread, many people focused on Reiner’s long career and the memories his films created. However, President Donald Trump took a different approach. He posted a message that quickly turned into a personal political broadside. As a result, anger surged online. Critics accused him of turning a family tragedy into a public score-settling.

Then the backlash widened. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger called the post “disgusting and vile.” Whoopi Goldberg mourned a friend and questioned Trump’s judgment. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom described Trump’s remarks in stark terms. Democratic lawmakers condemned the tone as well.

Importantly, some Republicans also urged restraint. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote that the deaths deserved compassion, not politics. Thomas Massie echoed that view and called the comments inappropriate.

Later, Trump refused to step back. He told reporters he stood by his words and dismissed Reiner again.

In the end, a moment meant for mourning turned into yet another hard, public divide.