Outrage Surges as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Ignites Fierce Backlash
Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.
A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from Within Political Ranks
A number of GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the comments.
Reiner's History and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image 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" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.