Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Backlash
Individuals from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased 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 untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
“What a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.
