🔗 Share this article

Personalities from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense 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 couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding 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 once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.