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Figures from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established 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 disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation 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.

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

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.