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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

This is a vile and vile comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

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

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.