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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.