Fury Erupts as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Rebuke
Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.
A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.
This is a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "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 view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.