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Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise 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 self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared 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. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past 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 once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.