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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.