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Individuals from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have 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 commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer 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 once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.