Outrage Explodes as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Rebuke
Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Arrest
Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.
The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."
Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.