🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow 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 Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.