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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers 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 substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

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

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.