Outrage Surges as Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Ignites Sharp Rebuke
Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry 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.
An Inflammatory Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.
“What a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Criticism from Within Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.
Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.