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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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