🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph 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" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.