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

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, 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 once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.