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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable 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 "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, 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 anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.