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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, 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 "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.