Outrage Erupts as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Rebuke
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Detention
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a vile and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host 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, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."
Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is 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 opposed him. So sick."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.
A Notable 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 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.
