One response that drew widespread criticism came from Donald Trump, who posted comments on social media that many viewed as confrontational rather than consoling. The remarks sparked backlash across political lines, including from members of Trump’s own party, who said the tone was inappropriate during a moment of mourning. Trump later defended his comments, reiterating his long-standing political disagreements with Reiner. For many observers, the response stood out for how sharply it contrasted with the broader public mood of grief and respect.
That contrast deepened as a past clip of Reiner resurfaced from Piers Morgan Uncensored. In the interview, Reiner addressed the earlier killing of political activist Charlie Kirk, speaking with visible empathy and rejecting violence as a response to political disagreement. He stressed that no ideology could justify such acts, a message that resonated widely after his death.