🔗 Share this article

Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President 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 dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

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

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.