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Individuals from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.

“What a vile and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.