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Individuals from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.