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Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.