Fury Explodes as Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Criticism
Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
This is a vile and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from Within Party
A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.
The Director's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical 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, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.