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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as 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 relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of historical connection, 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 once shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.