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

A Controversial Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared 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. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

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

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic 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 overlooking Central Park.