🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.