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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly 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 shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.