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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused 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 supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.