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Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.