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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker 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 his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's 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 saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.