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Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.