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Individuals from across the partisan aisle and the entertainment world are coming together to denounce Donald Trump for his remarks in the wake of the shocking passing of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Social Media Post

Following the discovery of the couple dead at their Brentwood home, Trump took to social media to describe the late director as "tortured and suffering". The message, he claimed Reiner's demise was "because of the hostility he provoked others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to self-praise, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Developments and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the couple's adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the case. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a friend, similarly criticized the remarks. She pointed to prior comments from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Have you no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

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

Criticism from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also voiced dismay.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that the event was "a family tragedy, not about politics or rivals". Greene also mentioned challenges with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

Another GOP congressman, Thomas Massie, called Trump's remarks "inappropriate and disgraceful" considering the nature of the deaths. He openly challenged members in his party to defend the comments.

Reiner's History and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was consistently a outspoken detractor of Donald Trump. During a past interview, he argued Trump was "mentally unfit" for the presidency. He had also warned about the risks of autocracy should Trump return to power.

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner said. "Should the United States fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems crumble around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had in the past expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends without reservation following the shooting of another political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had once shared the anecdote of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a high-rise with a view of Central Park.