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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman 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 mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.