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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of 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, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set 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 despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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