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Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Brentwood residence, Trump posted on his platform to describe the deceased director as "anguished and struggling". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Can you get any worse?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks 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 pointed criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

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