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Personalities 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 esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed dismay.

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

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.