Outrage Surges as Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Backlash
Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing 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 announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.
Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing 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 once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.