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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating 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 Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.