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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned 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 crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.