Outrage Erupts as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Fierce Rebuke
Figures from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Statement
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Arrest
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.