Fury Erupts as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Rebuke
Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Detention
Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.
This is a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse 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 political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.