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Personalities from both sides of the political divide and the Hollywood industry are uniting to condemn Donald Trump for his remarks following the shocking passing of esteemed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on his platform to label the deceased director as "anguished and suffering". The post, he asserted Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he provoked others through his enormous, unyielding, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. It is reported his bond was set at a significant sum.

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

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

Echoing this view, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "He is a contemptible piece of trash."

Senator Chris Murphy added, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying Rob and Michele Reiner caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Fellow Republican representative, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" considering the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to justify the statements.

Reiner's History and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the risks of autocracy if Trump be reelected to power.

"We see authoritarianism 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 pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and denounced political violence unequivocally after the shooting of another political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the story of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.