Outrage Explodes as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Ignites Sharp Backlash
Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
This is a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously 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 anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.
