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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

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

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, 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, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.