Condemnation Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Criticism
Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.
A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Party
A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.