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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

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

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.