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Figures from both sides of the partisan spectrum and the entertainment world are coming together to condemn Donald Trump for his comments in the wake of the shocking deaths of esteemed director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele.

An Inflammatory Online Statement

After the couple were found dead at their Los Angeles residence, Trump took to his platform to describe the late director as "anguished and struggling". In a post, he asserted Reiner's death was "because of the anger he caused others through his enormous, relentless, and incurable condition with a mind-crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME".

The post then pivoted to praising his own achievements, juxtaposing Reiner's supposed "intense obsession" and "obvious paranoia" with what Trump described as the "unprecedented era of America".

Law Enforcement Update and Arrest

Police have since announced the arrest of the Reiners' 32-year-old son, Nick, on suspicion of homicide in relation to the incident. It is reported his bail was established at a substantial sum.

A Torrent of Criticism from Celebrities and Politicians

The reaction to Trump's words was immediate and scathing.

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

Television host Whoopi Goldberg, who called Reiner a close acquaintance, also condemned the statements. Goldberg pointed to prior rhetoric from Trump about the killing of an activist, demanding, "Do you have no shame? Can you get any lower?"

California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, succinctly stated, "He is a disturbed man."

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

Senator Chris Murphy commented, "He's just crossed a line. Now saying the Reiners caused their own murder because they opposed him. Deeply disturbing."

Rebuke from Within Political Ranks

A number of Republican elected officials also expressed dismay.

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

Another GOP representative, Thomas Massie, called Trump's discourse "unacceptable and disgraceful" considering the circumstances. He openly challenged members in his party to justify the comments.

The Director's Legacy and Stance on Trump

Rob Reiner was long a vocal critic of Donald Trump. In a past conversation, he argued Trump was "not psychologically suited" for the presidency. He had also cautioned about the dangers of authoritarian rule should Trump be reelected to power.

"We see autocracy on the rise around the world," Reiner noted. "Should the United States fall, there’s a risk that democracy crumble around the world."

Regardless of his pointed opposition, Reiner had previously shown "complete revulsion" and condemned political violence unequivocally after the shooting of a different political figure.

A Notable Link: The Art of the Deal

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

Rob Reiner had previously recounted the story of the photo shoot, mentioning Trump's request for "special hairspray" as being photographed on a skyscraper with a view of Central Park.