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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

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

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously 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 shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.