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Individuals from across the political divide and the entertainment world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.