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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

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

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

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

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.