🔗 Share this article Outrage Erupts as Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Ignites Widespread Backlash Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. An Inflammatory Social Media Post After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America". Police Update and Detention Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum. A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing. This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger. Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?" California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man." Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage." Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing." Criticism from Within Party A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face. Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements. Reiner's History and Stance on Trump Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power. "We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world." Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different political figure. A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.