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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.