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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.