Fury Explodes as Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Fierce Backlash
Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Detention
Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? 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 said, "What a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.