🔗 Share this article Condemnation Surges as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Draws Fierce Criticism Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. An Inflammatory Online Post After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America". Police Update and Arrest Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount. A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh. “What a vile and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger. Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?" California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man." Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage." Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick." Rebuke from Within Political Ranks A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families. Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the statements. The Director's History and Stance on Trump Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power. "There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world." Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual. A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.