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Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.