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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This 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, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.