Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction 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 called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Detention
Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant sum.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The response to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.
“What a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."
Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from Within Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.
The Director's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.
