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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

This is a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.