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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

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

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

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.