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

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility 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, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.