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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". 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 then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.