Outrage Surges as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Rebuke
Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths 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 "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.
A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.
“What a appalling and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.
An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a layer 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 anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.
