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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring 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 implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.