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

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

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

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

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

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.