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Figures from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the detention of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The response to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

This is a appalling and despicable statement,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

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

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, 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.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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