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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

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

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

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

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.