🔗 Share this article Outrage Explodes as Former President Trump's Comments on Rob Reiner Spurs Widespread Criticism Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. An Inflammatory Social Media Statement After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME". The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America". Police Update and Detention Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum. A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh. “What a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?" The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man." Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash." Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing." 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 Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments. Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power. "We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world." Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of another political figure. A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.