🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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