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Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments 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

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.