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Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old 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 reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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