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Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

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

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

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

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.