🔗 Share this article Fury Erupts as Trump's Comments on Director Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Backlash Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. An Inflammatory Online Post Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America". Police Developments and Arrest Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount. A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh. “What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?" The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man." Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage." Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing." Criticism from Within Party Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families. Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the comments. Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power. "There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world." Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure. A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.