🔗 Share this article

Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph 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 posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.