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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted 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".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, 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 confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "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 sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the shooting of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.