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Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and despicable statement,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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