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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.