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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a appalling and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable 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 opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. 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 risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.