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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot 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 request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.