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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring 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 implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued 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 autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past 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 previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.