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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

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

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

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

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

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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