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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, 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 shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.