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Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.