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Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted 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 Arrest

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

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, 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 once recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.