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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bail was established at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

“What a vile and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

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