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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.