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

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, 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 anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.