🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult 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 Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, 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 element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.