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Figures from across the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.