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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

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

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.