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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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