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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

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 alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his political party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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