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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

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

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly 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 shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.