Prominent sports commentator and journalist Stephen A. Smith has launched a fierce critique against former US President Donald Trump. The criticism came in response to Trump's reaction to the tragic deaths of acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
Smith's Blunt Condemnation on His Radio Show
On the Monday, December 15 episode of his radio programme, Straight Shooter With Stephen A. Smith, Smith did not hold back. He described Trump's comments as crossing a fundamental line of human decency. Smith emphasised that a moment of profound loss is not an occasion for political point-scoring, but a time for respect and compassion.
The former President had taken to his social media platform, Truth Social, the morning after the couple was found dead in their home. In his post, Trump suggested Rob Reiner's passing was linked to anger from what he termed "Trump Derangement Syndrome," and mocked the filmmaker's political views. Smith found this response to be deeply inappropriate.
"Beneath the Office of the Presidency"
Stephen A. Smith was unequivocal in his assessment. "The President choosing to comment on their passing in a disrespectful, acerbic and disgusting manner is beneath the office of the presidency," he stated during the broadcast. He argued that a leader, especially one who has held the nation's highest office, should aim to unify and console during tragedy, not inflame divisions.
"That ain't the time to be sticking out your chest and basically indicating that they brought it on themselves," Smith added, criticising the tone and timing of Trump's remarks. He stressed that death should never be met with jokes, blame, or insults, and expressed dismay that the former Commander-in-Chief appeared to disregard this basic principle.
A Wave of Criticism and a Call for Unity
Smith was not alone in his condemnation. Politicians from both major American parties and numerous public figures joined in criticising Trump's Truth Social post, calling it a failure of basic human empathy. The incident sparked a broader conversation about the coarsening of public discourse.
Smith warned that such comments from influential figures dangerously shift the national conversation away from substantive issues. Instead of fostering unity, they sow further anger and division among the public, he argued.
The sudden deaths of Rob Reiner, the director behind several classic films and a vocal political activist, and his wife Michele, known for her creative endeavours and private life, sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond. Their passing is mourned as a significant and tragic loss.
