🔗 Share this article

Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

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

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.