Individuals from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.
The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.
“What a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."
Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."
Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."
Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.
Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.
"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."
Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.
Providing a element of past 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 previously shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.
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Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter