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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments 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 dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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