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Personalities from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry 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.

An Inflammatory Online Post

After the couple were found deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating 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 described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Detention

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced previous rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Have you no shame? Can you get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just lost it. Now implying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". Greene also alluded to challenges with substance abuse and mental health within families.

Another Republican representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had in the past shown "absolute horror" and condemned political violence without reservation after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.