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Figures from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to condemn former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Online Statement

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the remarks. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared members in his political party to defend the statements.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence without reservation following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" as posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.