🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, 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 once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.