Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.
After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".
The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".
Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.
The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.
This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"
California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."
Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."
Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."
Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.
Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.
Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if 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."
Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.
Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.
Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.
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