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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, 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 previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.