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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic 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" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.