🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.