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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction 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 friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.