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Figures from across the political divide and the entertainment industry are coming together to denounce former President Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to label the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a post, he claimed Reiner's demise was "due to the hostility he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's alleged "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Police Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since confirmed the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in connection with the incident. It is reported his bond was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Condemnation from Public Figures

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the remarks. Goldberg referenced prior comments from Trump regarding the killing of an activist, asking, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any worse?"

The state of California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, simply wrote, "He is a sick man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they didn’t support him. So sick."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

A number of GOP lawmakers also voiced disapproval.

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

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disrespectful" given the circumstances. He publicly challenged members in his political party to defend the comments.

Reiner's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he stated Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also warned about the dangers of authoritarian rule if Trump be reelected to power.

"There is autocracy making its move around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different individual.

An Ironic Connection: The Art of the Deal

Adding a element of past irony, Michele Reiner, formerly Michele Singer, was the artist who captured the cover image for Donald Trump's 1987 book, The Art of the Deal.

Rob Reiner had previously shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, noting Trump's demand for "a specific hair product" while posing on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.