Outrage Erupts as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Backlash
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
“What a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Party
Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.
The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.