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Personalities from across the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, 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 "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.