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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

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

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph 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 "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.