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Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a vile and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past 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 shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.