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Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted 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 praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, 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 shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.