Outrage Explodes as Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Backlash
Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.