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Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

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

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally 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 artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.