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Personalities from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements 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 Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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