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Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious 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 suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.