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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Detention

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

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. She pointed to previous comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element 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 shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" as posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.