Condemnation Explodes as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Criticism
Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition 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 described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Detention
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.
“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past 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
Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.