🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, 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 didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

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

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured 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 high-rise overlooking Central Park.