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Figures from across the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced 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 stated, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.