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Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail 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 vile and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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 demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.