Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Comments on Director Rob Reiner Ignites Widespread Backlash
Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
This is a disgusting and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.
The Director's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.
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 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.