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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.