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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

“What a appalling and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past 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 once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.