Fury Explodes as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Rebuke
Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Detention
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.