Low blow came straight from the top

First published in the Brunswick Beacon, 01.29.26

In his Jan. 1 letter, Steve Martino asked the Beacon, “Why would you stoop so low?” because it published my letter entitled “A Deranged Person.” Attentive readers know the phrase wasn’t my invention—it was a verbatim quote from Donald Trump, who called Rob Reiner “a deranged person as far as Trump is concerned.” Trump claimed, without evidence, that Rob and Michele Reiner were murdered “due to the anger” he accused Rob of stirring up by criticizing “President Donald J. Trump.” Narcissists often refer to themselves in the third person—Trump did it four times in three sentences.

Trump’s narcissistic claim — that the Reiners were murdered by a “CRAZY” Trump supporter driven to violence by Rob’s criticism — is dangerously divisive and highly revealing. It shows that he views violence on his behalf as understandable — even justified. That’s why he pardoned 1,600 rioters charged with storming the Capitol on Jan. 6 while carrying Trump banners. Hundreds were violent criminals, convicted of attacking and injuring 140 law enforcement officers. Adding insult to injury, Trump called the convicted attackers “patriotic Americans” and accused Capitol Police of “aggressively” and “deliberately escalating tensions.”

Even more disturbing, Trump’s claim is a thinly veiled threat aimed at anyone who dares to criticize him. The implication is clear — Trump is warning his critics to back off or the same thing could happen to them.

Of course, if Trump were not so self-absorbed, he might have realized when he posted it that Nick Reiner, the couple’s troubled son, was already in custody for the killings.

I agree with Martino that we need to bring Americans together. But unity won’t come from blaming the messenger. It will only come when Americans unite to condemn the source: Donald Trump, a president who selfishly pits Americans against one another and exploits personal tragedies to stoke division, spread fear, and sow hatred.

Linda McConnell Baker

Leland