Outrage Surges as Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Rebuke
Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.
This is a vile and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.