🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.