Donald Trump's recent social media post regarding the deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele has ignited significant backlash from both lawmakers and celebrities.The couple was found dead in their Los Angeles home, and their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
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theguardian.comirishtimes.comIn his post, Trump suggested that Reiner's death was linked to the anger he supposedly caused others through what he termed "TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME." He described Reiner as "tortured and struggling," asserting that his death was "reportedly due to the anger he caused" by opposing the president.
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theguardian.com6abc.comTrump further claimed that Reiner's "raging obsession" with him contrasted sharply with his own accomplishments during his presidency, which he described as a "Golden Age of America."@ [0].The response to Trump's comments was swift and overwhelmingly negative.Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger labeled the remarks as "disgusting and vile," while television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, questioned Trump's lack of empathy.
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theguardian.comirishtimes.comGoldberg expressed her confusion over Trump's behavior, especially in light of his previous comments about the late far-right activist Charlie Kirk, stating, "Have you no shame?No shame at all?Can you get any lower?I don't think so.".
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theguardian.comCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom characterized Trump's comments as indicative of a "sick man," while Democratic lawmakers echoed similar sentiments.US Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost described Trump's remarks as "despicable," and Senator Chris Murphy criticized the president for suggesting that Reiner and his wife were responsible for their own murder due to their political beliefs.
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theguardian.comirishtimes.comEven some Republicans, typically aligned with Trump, expressed their disapproval.Representative Thomas Massie called the post "inappropriate and disrespectful," emphasizing that it should not be politicized given the tragic circumstances.
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irishtimes.com6abc.comMarjorie Taylor Greene, another Republican, stated that the incident was a family tragedy, urging for compassion rather than political commentary.
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irishtimes.comTrump's comments have raised questions about the appropriateness of injecting politics into personal tragedies.House Speaker Mike Johnson, while not directly criticizing Trump, acknowledged the need for compassion in such situations, stating, "We have to appeal to our better angels."@ [1].Rob Reiner was known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, having previously labeled him "mentally unfit" for the presidency.In a 2017 interview, he warned that the US could slide into autocracy if Trump were to secure a second term.
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theguardian.com6abc.comDespite his criticisms, Reiner had condemned political violence, expressing horror at the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
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theguardian.comThe Reiners' deaths have shocked many, and the circumstances surrounding them remain under investigation.As the community mourns, the political fallout from Trump's comments continues to unfold, highlighting the deep divisions in American political discourse.
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irishtimes.com6abc.comThe incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of political rhetoric, particularly in moments of tragedy.As public figures and citizens alike react to Trump's statements, the call for empathy and respect in the face of personal loss resonates strongly across the political spectrum.
