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

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of 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 alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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