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Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, 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 confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.