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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.