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Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous comments from Trump regarding 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, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views 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 office. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

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

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.