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Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

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

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.