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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and harsh.

This is a disgusting and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

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

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.