🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

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

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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