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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.