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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

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

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.