Fury Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Backlash
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Post
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Update and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.