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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

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

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.