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Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

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

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.