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Individuals from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.