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Individuals from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Developments and Detention

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply stated, "This is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

Some Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his party to justify the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of another individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.