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Individuals from both sides of the political spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the tragic deaths of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Post

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump posted on social media to describe the late director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the couple's 32-year-old son, Nick, on charges related to murder in relation to the case. Reports indicate his bond was set at a significant amount.

A Torrent of Criticism from Public Figures

The reaction to Trump's post was immediate and harsh.

This is a appalling and vile comment,” said public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

Mirroring this sentiment, US House member Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a despicable piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now implying Rob and Michele Reiner brought on their own murder because they opposed him. So sick."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being some families face.

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disgraceful" given the nature of the deaths. He publicly dared others in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

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

"There is authoritarianism on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States crumble, there’s a risk that democracy collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously shown "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally following the killing of a different political figure.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of historical connection, Michele Reiner, previously Michele Singer, was the photographer who captured the photograph for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise overlooking Central Park.