Condemnation Explodes as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Rebuke
Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Statement
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from Within Party
Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.
Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.