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Personalities from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.