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Figures from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of acclaimed 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 social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable 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 "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse 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 members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.