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Figures from across the political aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.