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Figures from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed 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 established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, 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 recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.