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Figures from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update 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 bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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