Outrage Surges as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Rebuke
Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Detention
Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past connection, 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 previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.