🔗 Share this article

Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, 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 caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.