🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.