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Figures from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about 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 sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.