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Figures from across the political aisle and the Hollywood world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's death was "due to the hostility he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. 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 swift and harsh.

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” said actor Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, asking, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any worse?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they opposed him. So sick."

Criticism from Within Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

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

The Director's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump return to power.

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

Despite his strong opposition, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Connection: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the artist who shot the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the session, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.