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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments 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 significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.