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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

This is a vile and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, 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 session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.