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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of esteemed 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 his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death 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 praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

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

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned 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 danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.