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Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

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

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.