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Individuals from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.