🔗 Share this article

Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot 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 request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.