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Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing 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 previously shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.