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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.