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Figures from across the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.