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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest 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 established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

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

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.