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Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

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

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

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

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

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

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

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

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.