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Personalities from across the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

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

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

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

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views 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 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 risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, 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 previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.