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

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, 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 shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.