🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

This is a vile and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot 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 request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.