Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – Donkey of the Day: Trump Doubles Down On Rob Reiner Criticism After His Passing
Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Episode Focus: Charlamagne Tha God's “Donkey of the Day” segment centers on Donald Trump’s response to the murder of film director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle and the ensuing hypocrisy and political fallout.
Episode Overview
In this episode, The Breakfast Club’s “Donkey of the Day” is awarded to former President Donald J. Trump over his controversial and politicized remarks following the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle. Charlamagne Tha God explores Trump's lack of empathy and perceived hypocrisy, contrasting Trump’s current behavior to his previous condemnations of similar responses from political opponents. The episode also critiques the response—or lack thereof—from other Republican leaders.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Tragic Event: Reiner Family Murder
- Context: Rob Reiner, a renowned director and political figure, and his wife Michelle were murdered by their son, Nick Reiner, who was reportedly dealing with mental health issues ([03:52]).
- Charlamagne stresses the horror and tragedy of the situation, noting that people are still seeking to understand the “why” but shifting focus to Trump’s reaction.
2. Trump’s Politicized Comments
- Trump’s Reaction:
- Trump posts on Truth Social, attributing the Reiners’ murder to "anger" caused by Rob Reiner’s outspokenness against Trump.
- NBC News highlights the immediate backlash within Trump’s own party ([05:13]).
- Charlamagne's Take:
- Questions why Trump centers himself and his political grievances at the heart of such a tragedy.
- Raises concerns about Trump’s messaging to his followers, suggesting it could be interpreted as excusing violence against political opponents.
3. Trump Doubles Down & Shows No Remorse
- When pressed by a reporter about his statements, Trump responds:
“Well, I wasn’t a fan of his at all. He was a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned... He became like a deranged person. Trump derangement syndrome. So I was not a fan of Rob Reiner at all in any way, shape or form. I thought he was very bad for our country.”
— Donald Trump, [09:45] - Charlamagne’s Reaction:
- “Disgusting, yes. Appalling, yes. But this is who Donald Trump is, folks. Keep waiting for him to be presidential. That’s not who and what he is.” ([10:12])
4. Hypocrisy & Historical Comparisons
-
Charlamagne discusses Trump's history of decrying those who previously celebrated or excused violence (e.g., the assassination of Charlie Kirk), playing archival remarks from Trump demanding unity and compassion in the wake of political violence ([13:18]).
-
Quote:
“The only thing worse than a liar is a liar that's also a hypocrite. Trump and his administration, they're both.”
— Charlamagne Tha God, [16:45] -
Contrasts Trump's condemnation of the left's reactions to right-wing deaths with his current lack of empathy for Reiner, demonstrating political hypocrisy.
5. Republican Figures Speak Out
- Republican Responses:
- Rep. Stephanie Rice (OK): “We should be lifting the family up in prayer, not making this about politics.”
- Rep. Mike Lawler (NY): "It’s a horrible tragedy that should engender sympathy and compassion from everyone in the country, period.” ([15:58])
- Charlamagne criticizes other Republicans for not speaking out more forcefully, saying anything less than full condemnation is “truly uncivilized”.
6. A Cautionary Reflection on Karma
- Emphasizes that tragedy can happen to anyone, regardless of security or status, referencing that the perpetrator was the Reiners' own son ([17:11]).
- Charlamagne:
“You have to be very careful with that kind of energy, because it can come back to you, okay? Hypocrisy is the audacity to preach integrity from a den of corruption in America.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On presidential conduct:
“A position doesn’t make the person. Just because you are president doesn’t mean you will ever be presidential.”
— Charlamagne Tha God, [10:29] -
On wishing ill to opponents:
Trump at Charlie Kirk’s memorial:“He did not hate his opponents. He wanted the best for them. That’s where I disagreed with Charlie. I hate my opponent and I don't want the best for them. I'm sorry.”
— Donald Trump, [12:00]“Hey, man, he is who he is, okay? When somebody tells you who they are, believe them.”
— Charlamagne Tha God, [12:32] -
On hypocrisy:
“To become what you once condemned, to display the exact same behavior you told us was wrong... We gotta call it out now.”
— Charlamagne Tha God, [14:15]
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:52 | Introduction and summary of Rob and Michelle Reiner's murder | | 05:13 | Trump’s controversial Truth Social post reported by NBC News | | 09:45 | Trump doubles down on his remarks, calls Rob Reiner “deranged” | | 12:00 | Trump on hating his opponents at Charlie Kirk’s memorial | | 13:18 | Archival Trump critique of celebrating political violence | | 15:58 | Republican representatives react with calls for compassion | | 16:45 | Charlamagne accuses Trump and GOP of hypocrisy | | 17:11 | Reflection on danger of unempathetic, politicized responses |
Conclusion
Charlamagne Tha God uses the Donkey of the Day segment to highlight Donald Trump’s lack of empathy and the hypocrisy that underlies much of the contemporary political discourse, especially in the face of tragedy. He calls out both Trump and those in the GOP who fail to address or condemn such behavior, drawing on memorable Trump quotes and contrasting reactions to similar events in the past. The segment ends on a cautionary note about the dangers of hypocrisy and negative energy in politics.
End of Summary