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Personalities from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element 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 recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.