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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced 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 sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

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

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.