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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

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."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

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

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist 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" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.