Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Online Post
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.
This is a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."
Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from Within Party
Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.
