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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

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

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder 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 personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic 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 if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.