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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating 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 described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you 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, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, 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 recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.