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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.