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Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

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

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials 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 challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned 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, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.