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Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label 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 untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

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

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.