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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured 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 request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.