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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

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

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.