Fury Explodes as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Rebuke
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a disgusting and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Party
Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.