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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

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

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.