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Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

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

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. 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 lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

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