🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.