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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.