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Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated 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 authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously 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 session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.