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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.