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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

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

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

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

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.