Outrage Surges as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Backlash
Individuals from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Post
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post 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 Developments and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.
“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."
Criticism from Within Political Ranks
A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.