Fury Surges as Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Spurs Fierce Rebuke
Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Provocative Online Post
After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating 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 "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Detention
Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures
The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.
This is a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Party
Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.
Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.
"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned 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, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.