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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the entertainment world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his statements in the wake of the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Post

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". The post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and incurable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post quickly shifted to self-praise, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since confirmed the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the case. It is reported his bond was set at a substantial sum.

A Wave of Condemnation from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was swift and scathing.

“What a disgusting and vile statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. She pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Echoing this view, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost said, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Party

A number of GOP lawmakers also expressed dismay.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also alluded to challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. 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 critic of Donald Trump. In a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the office. He had also cautioned about the risks of authoritarian rule if Trump return to power.

"There is authoritarianism making its move around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the killing of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

Adding a layer of past irony, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had once recounted the story of the session, noting Trump's request for "a specific hair product" while posing on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.