Fury Explodes as Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Backlash
Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Detention
Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
“What a appalling and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.