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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

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

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

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

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.