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Individuals from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post 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 Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

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

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. 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 noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: 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 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.