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Personalities from both sides of the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical 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 shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.