🔗 Share this article

Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should 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 opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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