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Figures from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and vile comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced previous comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from Within Party

A number of GOP elected officials also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also mentioned struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political 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 argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past shown "complete revulsion" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.