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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States 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 without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.