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Individuals from both sides of the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element 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 previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.