Condemnation Erupts as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Spurs Fierce Criticism
Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
A Controversial Online Statement
Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".
Police Update and Arrest
Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.
A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians
The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"
The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."
Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks
A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
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 addiction and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.
Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.
"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."
Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.
A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal
Providing a element of past 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 recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.