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Figures from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood world are uniting to censure former President Donald Trump for his remarks following the tragic passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Controversial Social Media Statement

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Los Angeles home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's demise was "due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

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

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

This is a disgusting and despicable statement,” remarked public figure Patrick Schwarzenegger.

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a close acquaintance, similarly condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

California's Governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "This is a disturbed man."

Mirroring this sentiment, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost declared, "What a contemptible piece of garbage."

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Political Ranks

Some Republican lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about political feuds or rivals". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health within families.

Another Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's remarks "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly dared members in his party to defend the statements.

Reiner's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken critic of Donald Trump. During a past conversation, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also cautioned about the dangers of autocracy should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally following the shooting of a different individual.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

Providing a layer of historical connection, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the photographer who shot the cover image for Donald Trump's iconic book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's request for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.