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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting 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 artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.