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Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

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

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.