Maria Shriver, 70, has issued a response to President Donald Trump following comments he made about the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, who were killed on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Shriver, a niece of President John F. Kennedy, shared a video on Instagram and posted on X to challenge the 79-year-old president’s reaction to the double homicide. Acknowledging the Reiners as close friends, Shriver expressed her dissatisfaction with Trump’s remarks, stating they made her “sick to my stomach.”
Trump released a statement attributing Reiner’s murder to what he termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” He suggested that Reiner, a critic of his presidency, was influenced by this condition. During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Monday, December 15, Trump labeled Reiner “deranged” and noted the director was “not a fan” of his administration.
In her Instagram message, Shriver called on White House staff and Trump’s family to intervene, suggesting the president should be “put in a time-out.” She urged those around him to clarify “the responsibility of this office.” Shriver, daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, also cited recent shootings at Brown University in Rhode Island and Bondi Beach in Australia, asserting that Trump was not uniting Americans during national tragedies.
Accusing Trump of lacking decency, Shriver described his behavior as “petty and divisive.” She highlighted her personal ties to the Reiners, recounting that their families recently shared meals and had a long history together of raising their children.
Shriver emphasized that her message was not about partisan politics. She told her followers that the president should demonstrate character and dignity regardless of political affiliation. Shriver said she felt a duty to speak out, even if her late friends might have advised caution.
Rob Reiner, known for his work in film and as a cast member on “All in the Family,” was a vocal critic of Trump’s presidency. His opposition to Trump was documented, making the president’s comments on his death contentious in both Hollywood and political circles.
Nick Reiner, facing charges related to his parents’ deaths, reportedly struggled with drug addiction. The case has attracted significant attention due to Rob Reiner’s prominence in Hollywood. The killings at the Brentwood home have shocked both the entertainment industry and the public.
Shriver’s statements are among the most direct from a Kennedy family member addressing Trump’s conduct. Her call for restraint reflects broader apprehensions about the president’s communication style, especially during sensitive situations. Shriver noted that Americans “have had enough” of what she sees as inappropriate presidential behavior.
In her online posts, Shriver defended the Reiners as parents, noting their dedication to their children and commitment to family and country. She characterized them as individuals striving to improve America, undeterred by political differences.
The event highlights the ongoing friction between Trump and his critics, even amid personal tragedies. Shriver’s intervention brings a historical Kennedy perspective to the critique of Trump’s approach to public communication and handling of sensitive matters. Her call for those around Trump to act indicates concern over the president’s adherence to expected standards of conduct.