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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously 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 shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.