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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.