🔗 Share this article Condemnation Explodes as Former President Trump's Social Media Remarks on Director Rob Reiner Ignites Sharp Rebuke Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele. A Provocative Social Media Statement After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death 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 then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America". Police Developments and Arrest Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount. A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing. This is a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?" The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man." Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage." Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick." Criticism from Within Party A number of GOP elected officials also voiced dismay. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face. Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements. Reiner's History and Views on Trump Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power. "We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world." Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another political figure. A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal Adding a element of past connection, 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 demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.