Michelle Obama has paid tribute to Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, describing them as “decent and courageous” people. Her comments come in the wake of Donald Trump’s disparaging post in the wake of the Reiners’ deaths.
Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their home in Los Angeles on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, aged 32, has been arrested over their deaths and will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder, Los Angeles County prosecutors said.
Shortly the tragic news broke, President Donald Trump took to social media with incredibly insulting comments about Rob Reiner, claiming his death was “reportedly due to the anger he caused by others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction … known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”
Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel, Michelle Obama pushed back on Trump’s comments, saying she and Barack Obama had known the Reiners for “many, many years”.
“We were supposed to be seeing them that night, last night, and we got the news,” she said.
“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. They are not deranged or crazed.”
“What they have always been are passionate people who – in a time when there’s not a lot of courage going on – they were the kind of people who were ready to put their actions behind what they cared about. And they cared about their family. And they cared about this country. And they cared about fairness and equity. And that is the truth.”
Rob Reiner was known for his successful career in Hollywood as both an actor and director. He worked on a number of iconic films like When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride and A Few Good Men.
Michele Reiner was a photographer, film director, producer and businesswoman.
Together, the couple were known for their work on social justice issues, including LGBTQI+ rights and early childhood education.
Former president Barack Obama also paid tribute to Rob and Michele Reiner, saying: “Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose.”
“They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired.”
Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 15, 2025
Nick Reiner is expected to appear before a judge on Tuesday, where he will be formally charged.