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Personalities from both sides of the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are uniting to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood residence, Trump took to his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in connection with the case. Reports indicate his bail was established at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

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

This is a appalling and despicable comment,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also criticized the remarks. Goldberg pointed to previous rhetoric from Trump regarding political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with substance abuse and psychological well-being within families.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He openly dared members in his political party to justify the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. In a previous interview, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

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

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.