🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.