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Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible 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 Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously 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 recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.