🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the political divide and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.