🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical 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 anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.