Fury Explodes as Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Spurs Sharp Rebuke
Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
An Inflammatory Social Media Statement
Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Detention
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.
A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures
The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.
This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."
Rebuke from Within Political Ranks
Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.
Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.
The Director's History and Views on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.
"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.
An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.