Maria Shriver, John F. Kennedy’s niece through his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, has advised President Donald Trump’s family and the White House staff to ‘knock some sense into him’ after his controversial remarks about director Rob Reiner’s death sparked a social media storm.
In an Instagram post on Monday, December 15, she said that the 79-year-old has failed to unite people and urged his allies to tell him, ‘we have had enough’.
“I don’t care who you voted for in this moment in time. But the president of the United States is supposed to have character, is supposed to know how to bring people together, is supposed to be a dignified human being who raises us up,” said the longtime Democrat-turned-Independent.
View this post on Instagram
Shriver added that Trump’s comments made her ‘sick to my stomach’ and urged those close to him to help him understand the responsibility that comes with being the country’s president.
“Explain to him the possibility of this office. Explain to him the responsibility of this office. Explain to him that we have had enough. All of us,” she said.
She also mentioned the Hanukkah shooting in Australia at Bondi Beach, and the weekend shooting at Brown University, emphasizing that the ‘entire world is hurting’ because of the political climate.
Reiner and his wife Michele were allegedly killed by their 32-year-old son Nick on Sunday (December 14). Shortly after that, the president said they died because of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ and implied that the director’s criticism of his policies led to their deaths.
Shriver shared a strong bond with the Reiners. In an earlier post, she spoke about how they loved the country and ‘never gave up’ on it despite the challenges. She added that they wanted to make ‘our world better’.
I am asking all America First Patriots in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District to please GET OUT AND VOTE for a phenomenal Candidate and MAGA Warrior, Matt Van Epps! You can win this Election for Matt, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement. HE WILL BE A GREAT CONGRESSMAN…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 2, 2025
“We had dinner this past week,” she added, “and they were in the best place in their lives: loving one another, loving their friends, their family, their country. They never gave up on our country. They wanted to make it better. They always, always wanted to make our world better, and they were willing to fight to make it the country they loved,” read her post.
Reiner, who was born in New York City in 1947, rose to fame as an actor with his portrayal of Michael ‘Meathead’ Stivic on the CBS sitcom All in the Family. He also appeared in films such as Sleepless in Seattle and The First Wives Club. He eventually shifted to directing, a decision that added a new dimension to his career.
Reiner won an Academy Award for his critically acclaimed film Misery (1990). He also directed well-received films such as When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, and Stand By Me.
Reiner’s death is a big loss for the film industry and marks the end of an era in Hollywood. Given the gravity of the situation, Trump’s comments are uncalled for.
