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Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, 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 described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.