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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing 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 previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.