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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously 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 anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.