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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking deaths of acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments 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".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

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

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

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

“What a disgusting and despicable comment,” remarked actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of Republican lawmakers also expressed disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly challenged others in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy if Trump return to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation after the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable 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 once shared the anecdote of the session, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.