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Individuals from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views 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 autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.