Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Criticism
Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical connection, 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 anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.