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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.