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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.