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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating 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 "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.