Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
“What a vile and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from His Own Party
Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the comments.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.
