Fury Erupts as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Sharp Rebuke
Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Social Media Post
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Police Developments and Arrest
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you 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 sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.
A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.
