🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

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. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer 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 demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.