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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing 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 detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

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

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.