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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.