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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.