Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Criticism
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest
Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
This is a vile and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.
The Director's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph 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 "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.