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Figures from across the partisan divide and the entertainment industry are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

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

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

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.