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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about 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."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, 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.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.