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Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged others in his political party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. In a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as posing on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.