Fury Erupts as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Ignites Sharp Criticism
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Arrest
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
“What a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.
The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."
Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.