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Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.