Condemnation Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Rebuke
Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Online Statement
Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."
Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" 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. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.