🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, 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 Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.