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Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.