🔗 Share this article

Individuals from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.