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Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.