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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical 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 shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.