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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.