Condemnation Explodes as Trump's Social Media Remarks on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Backlash
Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.
“What a appalling and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.
Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.