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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed 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 the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.