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

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return 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 pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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 request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.