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Figures from both sides of the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

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