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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

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

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a vile and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "He is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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