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Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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