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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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 being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.