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Personalities from across the partisan divide and the Hollywood world are coming together to censure Donald Trump for his comments following the tragic deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

After the couple were found dead at their Brentwood home, Trump posted on social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the anger he caused others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable affliction with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments then pivoted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "raging obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump called the "unprecedented era of America".

Police Update and Arrest

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

A Wave of Criticism from Public Figures

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

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

Media personality Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, also condemned the statements. She referenced prior rhetoric from Trump about political violence, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy added, "Trump has just lost it. Now saying the Reiners brought on their own demise because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from His Own Party

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed disapproval.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the situation was "a personal tragedy, not about political feuds or political enemies". She also mentioned challenges with addiction and mental health some families face.

Fellow Republican congressman, Thomas Massie, labeled Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disrespectful" given the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his political party to defend the statements.

The Director's Legacy and Views on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal detractor of Donald Trump. During a previous conversation, he stated Trump was "mentally unfit" for the office. He had also warned about the dangers of autocracy should 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 pointed criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "complete revulsion" and denounced violence for political ends without reservation following the killing of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

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