🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past 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 session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.