🔗 Share this article

Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

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

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

“What a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

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

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted 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.