US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage with his comments about late Hollywood director Rob Reiner, calling him one of the “instigators” of the Russia controversy during his first term. The remarks were deemed “tasteless” and “grossly offensive,” highlighting Trump’s long history of using insults to fuel public outrage.
Trump’s behavior is not new, but this latest outburst comes at a pivotal moment in his presidency, with many Republicans beginning to distance themselves from him over issues like high prices for groceries, healthcare, and housing. Some have even criticized his comments about Reiner as “inappropriate” and “disrespectful discourse.”
However, Trump’s base remains loyal, with some supporting his claims that the tragedy was somehow connected to his previous remarks about Reiner. The president’s growing political woes suggest a lost connection with most of the country, who are increasingly turned off by his fixation on personal grievances.
History suggests that Trump will ride out this controversy, but it could underscore his detachment from voters’ concerns and his persistent focus on his own image. As Americans look for an antidote in 2028, Trump’s behavior may foreshadow a dark finish to his presidency marked by abuse of power and acrimony rather than acceptance.
Some Republicans have begun to speak out against Trump’s comments, including Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Meanwhile, Senate colleagues like Ted Cruz and John Kennedy have distanced themselves from the president’s remarks. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson has taken a more nuanced approach, citing a need for “ongoing commentary” about all government officials.
Trump’s history of using controversy to his advantage is well-documented, but this latest episode shows he hasn’t changed. It marks another data point in a growing test case over the tolerance of his party and the country for his antics.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/16/politics/trump-reiner-australia-brown-shootings-analysis