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Figures from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood industry are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

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 substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and mental health some families face.

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

The Director's History and Views on Trump

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

"We see authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical 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 story of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.