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Figures from across the political spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks following 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 home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly 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 past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned 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 risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph 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 request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.