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Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to condemn 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 deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Detention

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a vile and despicable comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

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

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

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past connection, 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 session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.