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Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, 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 hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

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

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

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

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.