Republican Challenges Other GOPs to Stand Up to Trump After 'Sick' Response to Rob Reiner Killing

Republican State Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky has publicly condemned President Donald Trump's controversial statement regarding the fatal stabbing of actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife.

Just hours after Reiner's death was reported, Trump took to his social media, Truth Social, to address the passing of the filmmaker/activist. He wrote, "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..."

Reiner and his wife, Michele, were found dead on Sunday with multiple knife wounds being reported as the cause of death. Reiner, A well-known actor and director, as well as a liberal activist and critic of President Trump, worked on many well-known films, including "This is Spinal Tap," "Stand by Me," "A Few Good Men," and "Misery." His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was a producer on many of her husband's films as well as a professional photographer, who photographed Trump for the cover of his memoir/business advice book, "The Art of the Deal."

Massie, who has long been an opponent of President Trump's within his own party, called the social media post "inappropriate and disrespectful," challenging "anyone to defend it." He also indicated that he believes his "elected GOP colleagues, the VP, and White House staff will just ignore it because they're afraid..."

This isn't the first time the Kentucky representative has butted heads with President Trump. They recently fought over transparency on the files regarding convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Trump had links, as well as an economic relief package for victims of the COVID-19 pandemic during Trump's first term. Trump, in turn, has referred to him as an "Embarrassment to Kentucky" and the "worst Republican congressman."

However, Massie isn't the only Republican to criticize the President's response. Trump's statement also drew criticism from Republican representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene, who recently broken from the MAGA movement included a screenshot of Trump's post stating, "Rob Reiner and his wife were tragically killed at the hands of their own son, who reportedly had drug addiction and other issues, and their remaining children are left in serious mourning and heartbreak. This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies. Many families deal with a family member with drug addiction and mental health issues. It's incredibly difficult and should be met with empathy especially when it ends in murder."

While many are criticizing Trump's statement regarding Reiner's passing, some are defending the President's assertions that his politics played a role in his death. Far-right conservative activist Laura Loomer wrote on X that "Psychosis is a real thing. Rob Reiner had a level of TDS that likely exuded a level of craziness around those he spent time with. Many people who have crazy kids have psychiatric issues themselves...Trump is right. Reiner himself sounded insane when he would speak. Imagine how crazy his own kid was... on drugs."

Originally published on IBTimes