🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age 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 connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past 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 previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.