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Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly 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 "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.