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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

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

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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