Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Criticism
Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
“What a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical connection, 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 shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.
