🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the political aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

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

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.