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Personalities from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a vile and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past 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 once recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.