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Individuals from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age 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 sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

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

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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