Outrage Explodes as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Rebuke
Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.
A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
This is a vile and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element 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 once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.