🔗 Share this article

Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.