🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

This is a appalling and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, 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 without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding 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 story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.