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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. 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 noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.