🔗 Share this article Condemnation Surges as Former President Trump's Post on Rob Reiner Draws Widespread Backlash Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. A Controversial Social Media Statement After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America". Police Developments and Detention Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount. A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing. This is a vile and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?" The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man." Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash." Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick." Criticism from Within Political Ranks A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face. Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the statements. The Director's History and Stance on Trump Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power. "There is authoritarianism 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 strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual. An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.