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Figures from both sides of the partisan aisle and the entertainment industry are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in connection with the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

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

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

Regardless of his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image 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 being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.