🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

This is a vile and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.