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Personalities from across the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.