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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

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

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following 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 artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.