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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.