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Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together 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 Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

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

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.