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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.