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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

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

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

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

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.