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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, 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 previously shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.