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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Authorities 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 established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and scathing.

This is a appalling and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot 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 demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.