Outrage Explodes as Trump's Comments on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Criticism
Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.
A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying 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 disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously 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 anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.