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Individuals from across the political aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.