Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Rob Reiner Ignites Fierce Rebuke
Figures from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
This is a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.
Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.