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Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

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

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued 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 making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

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

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.