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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if 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 democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot 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 "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.