Condemnation Erupts as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Rebuke
Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating 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".
Police Developments and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.
This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.
Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical 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 recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.