🔗 Share this article

Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.