Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Ignites Widespread Backlash
Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
This is a disgusting and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Party
Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.
Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the comments.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."
Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.