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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

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

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. 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 said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past 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 previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.