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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. 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 expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.