Fury Surges as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Rebuke
Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Social Media Statement
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.
This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Criticism from His Own Political Ranks
A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.
Reiner's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element 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 recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.