Outrage Explodes as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Criticism
Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a vile and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.
