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Personalities from across the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.