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Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory 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 "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 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" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.