Fury Explodes as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Ignites Fierce Criticism
Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Online Post
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
“What a vile and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of another individual.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.