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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump return to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, 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 recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.