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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a disgusting and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.