Condemnation Surges as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Backlash
Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Online Post
Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.
This is a vile and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."
Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.