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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling 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 "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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