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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". 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 then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.