🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. 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 risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.