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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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