Listen to the article
In February 2021, a tweet by director Rob Reiner following the death of conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh resurfaced amid controversy surrounding Reiner’s own death in December 2025. The tweet, which some characterized as an “attack” on the recently deceased Limbaugh, has become part of ongoing political discourse in the wake of Reiner’s tragic death.
Reiner, who was fatally stabbed along with his wife Michele in their Brentwood mansion in Los Angeles, had posted on Twitter (now X) on February 18, 2021, one day after Limbaugh’s death from lung cancer: “Rush Limbaugh is gone. But there is no scarcity of purveyors of disinformation left in his wake. To protect our Democracy we must remain vigilant in calling out their big lies. Starting with climate change.”
The authenticity of the tweet has been confirmed through archived links of Reiner’s verified account, which has since been deleted. The post was made amid a severe winter storm in Texas, which prompted Reiner to post another message later that same day, apparently criticizing Texas Senator Ted Cruz for traveling to Cancun during the crisis.
The characterization of Reiner’s comments as an “attack” is subjective, though it mirrors language used by conservative media outlet Breitbart, which published an article on February 18, 2021, headlined: “Rob Reiner Attacks Rush Limbaugh as Purveyor of ‘Disinformation’ Day After His Death.”
The renewed attention to Reiner’s comments about Limbaugh emerged following statements made by former President Donald Trump after Reiner’s death. Trump claimed in a social media post that the director died of “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” a remark widely criticized as insensitive.
In response to Trump’s comments, social media users began sharing Reiner’s 2021 post about Limbaugh, with some suggesting it demonstrated a similar lack of respect for the deceased. However, others have pointed to Reiner’s response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025 as evidence of his more measured approach to political opponents’ deaths.
During an appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” following Kirk’s death, Reiner had stated: “That should never happen to anybody. I don’t care what your political beliefs are. That’s not acceptable. That’s not a solution to solving problems.” Morgan reshared this clip following Trump’s comments about Reiner’s death.
Reiner, known for his Democratic political activism, had frequently criticized Trump and his administration. His son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents’ deaths.
The ongoing discourse surrounding Reiner’s comments about Limbaugh reflects the increasingly polarized nature of American politics, where even reactions to deaths become fodder for partisan debate. While the tweet itself is authentic, the interpretation of its tone and appropriateness continues to divide opinion along political lines.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
10 Comments
This is a timely discussion given the ongoing concerns around the spread of misinformation and its potential consequences for democratic processes. It’s a complex issue without easy solutions.
I agree, the disinformation landscape is multifaceted and requires a multifaceted approach. Encouraging critical thinking and fact-checking is a good start.
The death of a public figure can often reignite debates around their legacy and impact. It’s understandable that Reiner’s remarks would be scrutinized in this context.
You raise a fair point. The timing and framing of Reiner’s comments likely contributed to the controversy surrounding them. Nuance is important when addressing sensitive topics.
The relationship between public figures, media, and the dissemination of information is an important area of study. Reiner’s comments touch on some of these dynamics.
Absolutely, the role of prominent individuals in shaping public discourse is a crucial consideration. It’s important to examine these issues objectively and with nuance.
Rob Reiner’s comments highlight the broader challenges in addressing misinformation and its effects on democracy. It’s a nuanced issue that deserves thoughtful examination.
Absolutely, the role of prominent individuals in shaping the information landscape is an important consideration. Maintaining vigilance and promoting factual discourse is crucial.
Interesting to see the ongoing discussion around disinformation and the impact of public figures like Rush Limbaugh. This is a complex issue with many perspectives to consider.
I agree, the topic of disinformation is highly relevant, especially in the wake of significant events. It’s important to approach this critically and objectively.