Fury Erupts as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Rebuke
Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a appalling and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."
Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another individual.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of historical irony, 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 once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.