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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

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

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, 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 Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy 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 democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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