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Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.