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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.