Outrage Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Rebuke
Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
“What a vile and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Party
A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.
