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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.