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Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

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

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer 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.