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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.