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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling 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 "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

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

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

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

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.