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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to 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 massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update 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. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.