🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned 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."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.