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Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

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 "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.