Outrage Erupts as Former President Trump's Comments on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Fierce Criticism
Personalities from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Post
Following the discovery of the couple dead 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 "due to the anger 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 supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Detention
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Party
A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical irony, 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 shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.