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Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update 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. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

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

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.