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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing 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 implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.