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Personalities from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" 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 crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly 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, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.