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Individuals from across the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported 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 appalling and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the remarks. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman 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 caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.