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Personalities from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on his platform to label the late director as "anguished and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

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

Police Update and Arrest

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

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also criticized the statements. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". She also alluded to struggles with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"We see authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a danger that democracy collapse around the world."

Regardless of his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally 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 photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" as being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.