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

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

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

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.