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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment 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 Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. Reports indicate his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a appalling and vile comment,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Can you get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly dared others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we crumble, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends unequivocally following the killing of another individual.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of historical connection, 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 recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.