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Individuals from across the political spectrum and the Hollywood industry are coming together to censure former President Donald Trump for his comments following the shocking deaths of renowned director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

A Provocative Online Statement

Following the discovery of the couple deceased at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to social media to describe the deceased director as "tortured and struggling". In a message, he asserted Reiner's death was "due to the anger he provoked others through his massive, relentless, and untreatable condition with a debilitating disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

His comments quickly shifted to praising his own achievements, contrasting Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "clear paranoia" with what Trump described as the "Golden Age of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Authorities have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' adult son, Nick, on charges related to homicide in relation to the incident. Reports indicate his bond was set at a substantial amount.

A Wave of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

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

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who described Reiner a friend, similarly condemned the statements. She referenced previous comments from Trump about political violence, asking, "Do you have no decency? Is it possible to get any lower?"

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

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "Trump has just crossed a line. Now implying the Reiners caused their own demise because they didn’t support him. Deeply disturbing."

Criticism from His Own Political Ranks

Some GOP elected officials also voiced disapproval.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene emphasized that the event was "a personal tragedy, not about politics or political enemies". Greene also alluded to struggles with addiction and psychological well-being within families.

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

The Director's History and Views on Trump

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

"There is autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "If we fall, there’s a danger that democratic systems collapse around the world."

Despite his strong criticisms, Reiner had previously expressed "absolute horror" and condemned violence for political ends unequivocally following the shooting of a different political figure.

An Ironic Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously shared the story of the session, noting Trump's demand for "special hairspray" while being photographed on a skyscraper overlooking Central Park.