Condemnation Explodes as Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Backlash

Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical connection, 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, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.

Carolyn Saunders
Carolyn Saunders

A tech historian and cybersecurity expert passionate about preserving and securing vintage computing systems.