Trump Slammed by GOP Over Rob Reiner Post
Rob Reiner at the Montclair Film Festival, 2016. Photo courtesy of Montclair Film under CC BY 2.0.
President Donald Trump's recent social media post about the tragic deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele has ignited a firestorm of criticism, including from within his own party. Republican Rep. Don Bacon did not hold back, reportedly likening Trump's remarks to something "a drunk guy at a bar" might say, and questioning whether the president can maintain the decorum expected of his office. The backlash highlights a rare moment of GOP dissent amid a broader bipartisan outcry over the president's controversial framing of a family tragedy.
A Post That Sparked Outrage
Trump's post on Truth Social suggested that Rob Reiner's death was linked to his "raging obsession" and "mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME," a phrase Trump often uses to dismiss critics, as reported by The Guardian. The president described Reiner as "tortured and struggling," and claimed the director's "anger he caused others" was a factor in the apparent homicide of Reiner and his wife, whose son Nick Reiner is reportedly held on $4 million bail as a suspect in the case.
The post drew immediate condemnation from lawmakers and celebrities alike. Bacon, a Nebraska congressman known for his outspoken criticism of Trump's policies and demeanor, told CNN's Jake Tapper that the president's comments were beneath the office. He said he would expect to hear such remarks from "a drunk guy at a bar, not the President of the United States," and asked, "Can the President be presidential?" as reported by The Daily Beast.
GOP Voices Join the Chorus
Bacon was not alone among Republicans in expressing disapproval. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky called Trump's post "inappropriate and disrespectful," emphasizing that it was a "man who was just brutally murdered," and that such discourse was unacceptable regardless of political views, as reported by Reuters.
Similarly, Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene urged empathy, writing, "This is a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies," as reported by The Guardian. She highlighted the challenges many families face with addiction and mental health issues, which she suggested were relevant to the Reiner family's circumstances.
New York Republican Mike Lawler also weighed in, calling the post "wrong," and stressing that no one should be subjected to violence, especially at the hands of their own family, as reported by The Daily Beast. Lawler's comments underscored the need for compassion in the wake of the tragedy.
Even House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, distanced himself from the president's remarks, urging a focus on "better angels" and more respectful sentiments, as reported by Reuters.
Cultural Figures Condemn the Comments
The backlash extended beyond politics. Actor Patrick Schwarzenegger described Trump's statement as "disgusting and vile," as reported by The Guardian, while television host Whoopi Goldberg, a friend of Reiner's, expressed disbelief and disappointment. Goldberg pointed out the stark contrast between Trump's previous rhetoric about caring and the tone of his recent post, questioning whether the president had "no shame."
California Governor Gavin Newsom called Trump "a sick man," while Democratic lawmakers like Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Chris Murphy labeled the president's comments as "despicable" and "sick," respectively, as reported by The Guardian. Frost called Trump a "piece of garbage," and Murphy said the president had "just lost it" by blaming the Reiners for their own murder.
The Tragedy Behind the Headlines
Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele, 68, were found dead in their Los Angeles home in what police are investigating as a homicide. Their son Nick Reiner, 32, was reportedly arrested and is being held on $4 million bail. The investigation is ongoing, and no official motive has been publicly confirmed.
Reiner was a vocal critic of Trump, once calling him "mentally unfit" to be president and warning about the dangers of autocracy, according to The Guardian. Despite his political views, Reiner reportedly condemned political violence and expressed "absolute horror" at the killing of far-right activist Charlie Kirk earlier in the year.
A Stark Contrast in Tone
The president's post sharply contrasts with the tone of many public figures mourning the Reiners. Former President Joe Biden and his wife Jill reportedly expressed solace in the couple's legacy, emphasizing the enduring impact of their work.
Political Fallout and Calls for Decorum
The incident has sparked a rare moment of GOP pushback against Trump's rhetoric. Bacon, who has been critical of Trump's policies and behavior in the past, reportedly announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election, but his recent comments show he remains willing to speak out on matters of principle.
The criticism from both sides of the aisle reflects broader concerns about the impact of political rhetoric on public discourse, especially when it intersects with personal tragedy. Lawmakers and public figures alike are calling for empathy and respect, urging a focus on healing rather than division.
As the investigation into the Reiners' deaths continues, the political and cultural fallout from Trump's post serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between free expression and the responsibilities of leadership.
The question remains whether the president will adjust his tone in response to the backlash or continue to stoke controversy in the face of bipartisan condemnation.
References: Republican Don Bacon Shreds Trump for Sounding 'Drunk' in Rob Reiner Truth Social Post | Trump's post on Rob Reiner sparks outrage from lawmakers and celebrities | Donald Trump | Trump mocks slain actor Rob Reiner, drawing swift bipartisan condemnation
