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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the statements. She pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

The state of California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a disturbed man."

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

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

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously 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 session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.