🔗 Share this article Outrage Erupts as Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Ignites Sharp Backlash Individuals from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. A Provocative Online Post Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America". Police Developments and Arrest Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum. A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing. “What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?" California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man." Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage." Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick." Criticism from His Own Political Ranks Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face. Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments. The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power. "There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world." Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual. A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.