🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.