Fury Explodes as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Criticism
Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Post
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".
Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest
Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.
“What a appalling and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from Within Political Ranks
Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.