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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling 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 "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his 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 cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.