🔗 Share this article

Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.