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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the tragic passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on social media to label the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger 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 alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the detention of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was established at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was swift and harsh.

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a despicable piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

Some GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being some families face.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.