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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance 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 if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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 "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.