Condemnation Explodes as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Fierce Backlash
Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
“What a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.