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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.