Outrage Erupts as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Backlash
Personalities from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Detention
Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide 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 response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.
“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of another political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.