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Personalities from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, 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 once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.