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Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted 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".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" 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 element 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 once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.