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Personalities from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.