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Individuals from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems 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 political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.