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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to condemn former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". The message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

The response to Trump's words was swift and harsh.

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no decency? Can you get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of garbage."

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

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also mentioned struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also warned about the risks of authoritarian rule should Trump return 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."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured 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 being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.