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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

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

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.