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Figures from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and despicable comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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