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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

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

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

“What a vile and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously 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 story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.