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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, 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 anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.