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Personalities from across the political aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after 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 photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.