Outrage Explodes as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Backlash
Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Online Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.
A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."
Criticism from His Own Party
Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.
Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image 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 "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.