🔗 Share this article Condemnation Surges as Trump's Post on Director Rob Reiner Ignites Fierce Backlash Figures from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. A Provocative Online Post After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America". Law Enforcement Developments and Detention Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum. A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh. This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?" California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man." Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash." Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick." Rebuke from His Own Party A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families. Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements. Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power. "There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world." Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual. An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.