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Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

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

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph 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 "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.