Outrage Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Backlash
Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Online Post
After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Developments and Detention
Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures
The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.
This is a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"
California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.
Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.
The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot 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 "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.
