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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

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

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot 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.