Outrage Erupts as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Rob Reiner Ignites Widespread Criticism
Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Party
A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.
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 psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "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 past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.