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

A Provocative Online Post

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

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

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