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Personalities from across the political aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.