🔗 Share this article

Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.