🔗 Share this article

Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

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

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.