Jimmy Kimmel strongly condemned Donald Trump on Monday night’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the former president posted a disturbing message on Truth Social falsely claiming that filmmaker Rob Reiner had died as a result of “Trump derangement syndrome.”
Kimmel said that in moments of tragedy, the country needs empathy, leadership, and clear thinking—particularly regarding gun violence and mental health. Instead, he argued, Trump offered none of that. “What we got was a senseless rant from someone incapable of compassion,” Kimmel remarked, adding that Trump’s response demonstrated a complete lack of humanity.
During his monologue, Kimmel read aloud Trump’s post, which described Reiner as a “tortured and struggling” former talent who had allegedly died alongside his wife, Michele Reiner, because of anger stemming from an obsession with Trump. The post went on to praise the “Golden Age of America” while concluding with a hollow “rest in peace.”
Kimmel called the message “hateful” and “repulsive,” saying that when he first encountered it, he assumed it had to be fake. Even then, he admitted that Trump has repeatedly proven there is no limit to how far he is willing to go.
Later, Kimmel referenced Trump’s remarks during an Oval Office press conference, where the president had an opportunity to walk back the statement. Instead, Trump defended himself, saying he never liked Reiner and labeling him a “deranged person” who spread false claims about Russian influence during Trump’s presidency. Trump also suggested Reiner damaged his own career and insisted that he was harmful to the country.
Reacting to those comments, Kimmel said it was frightening that someone he described as mentally unfit held so much power. He encouraged viewers who supported Trump to reconsider their position, noting that acknowledging a mistake is acceptable. Drawing from his personal relationship with Reiner, Kimmel said he believed the filmmaker would have wanted people to continue calling out what he viewed as Trump’s destructive behavior.
Other late-night hosts also addressed the news. Stephen Colbert opened The Late Show with a somber introduction, citing multiple tragedies over the weekend, including violent shootings and the deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner. Colbert explained that while comedy often addresses current events, some moments require restraint and respect for the suffering of others.
Rob Reiner, celebrated for his work both as an actor on All in the Family and as a director of iconic films such as Stand by Me, When Harry Met Sally…, This Is Spinal Tap, and A Few Good Men, was discovered dead in his Brentwood home on Sunday afternoon. His wife, Michele Singer Reiner, was found alongside him. Rob Reiner was 78 years old, and Michele was 68.
Authorities later arrested the couple’s son, Nick Reiner, on suspicion of murder. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records, he was taken into custody Sunday night and officially booked early Monday morning. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell confirmed the arrest at a press conference, calling the situation deeply tragic.
As of now, formal charges have not been filed. Investigators are expected to submit the case to the district attorney for review on Tuesday.
