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Personalities from across the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.