🔗 Share this article Condemnation Erupts as Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Ignites Widespread Backlash Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. An Inflammatory Social Media Post Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America". Police Developments and Detention Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum. A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh. This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?" California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man." Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage." Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing." Rebuke from His Own Party Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face. Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments. The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power. "We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world." Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different individual. A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.