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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.