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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, 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 supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.