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Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical 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 previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.