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Individuals from across the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

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

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.