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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked 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".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: 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 anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.