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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly 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, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.