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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense 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 Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

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

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.